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Capriccio showing a curved arcade of columns, supporting a sculptural frieze, in front of which is a sarcophagus on a plinth with an inscribed tablet. In the foreground are Ionic and Corinthian capitals and two diminutive figures.
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Reference number
Adam vol.56/104
Purpose
Capriccio showing a curved arcade of columns, supporting a sculptural frieze, in front of which is a sarcophagus on a plinth with an inscribed tablet. In the foreground are Ionic and Corinthian capitals and two diminutive figures.
Aspect
Perspective
Inscribed
Inscribed in ink 63; and in red ink 104.
Signed and dated
- Undated, probably between 1755 and 1757.
Medium and dimensions
Pencil, pen, watercolour360 x 306, top 2 corners trimmed diagonally; damage caused by 6 glue spots during removal from previous location
Hand
Robert Adam
Notes
This composition of a sarcophagus against a curving wall may be compared with Adam vol.56/126, attributed to Charles-Louis Clérisseau. A possible source for this drawing is Robert Adam's vigorous and free pen drawing in Adam vol.55/99, which shows a similar curved building with a sarcophagus in the foreground. It may also be compared with similar compositions by Clérisseau and by Charles Natoire (see McCormick Charles-Louis Clérisseau and the Genesis of Neo-Classicism (Cambridge, Massachusetts and London, 1990), p.134, pl.112 by Clérisseau and pl.113 by Natoire).
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