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[5] Presentation design for the elevation of the south (Privy Garden) front, nearly as executed
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Reference number
SM, volume 110/10
Purpose
[5] Presentation design for the elevation of the south (Privy Garden) front, nearly as executed
Aspect
Elevation
Scale
10 feet to 19/20 inches
Inscribed
In ink by Dance at bottom left, Gd, and to right in C19 hand, (11)
Signed and dated
- Undated, but within range 1689-90
Medium and dimensions
Pen and brown ink with grey wash over graphite under drawing Laid paper, laid down (probably from same sheets as 110/9 as both have laid lines 30 mm apart) 309 x 844, from 309 x 421 (left sheet) and 309 x 430 (right)
Hand
Hawksmoor
Watermark
Countermarks: combined PVL on both sheets (for Piet van der Ley)
Notes
The scale of this presentation drawing for the Privy Garden front appears to have been added by another hand, as it produces dimensions about 4% greater than those in Hawksmoor’s marked-up elevation (1, above; 110/8). The drawing is at a later stage than 110/8 and the related large-scale study for the central pavilion (2, above; 110/15), as the side windows of the central pavilion have pediments rather than plain entablatures. It is probably the final scheme for approval prior to construction. The roof of the elevation is only shown in graphite outlines.
The drawing also differs in the detailing of the attic storey above the central applied portico and may date before October 1689 when construction reached this level. It certainly pre-dates the final sculptural detailing of the facade from mid-1691, when Gibbons was paid for the relief carving of trophy ornaments which differ from those shown on this drawing. In particular, no armorial relief is shown over the central first-floor window.
The drawing also differs in the detailing of the attic storey above the central applied portico and may date before October 1689 when construction reached this level. It certainly pre-dates the final sculptural detailing of the facade from mid-1691, when Gibbons was paid for the relief carving of trophy ornaments which differ from those shown on this drawing. In particular, no armorial relief is shown over the central first-floor window.
Literature
Wren Society, IV, pl. 17 bottom
Level
Drawing
Digitisation of the Drawings Collection has been made possible through the generosity of the Leon Levy Foundation
If you have any further information about this object, please contact us: drawings@soane.org.uk