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Capriccio of a ruined circular mausoleum with statues flanking a sarcophagus and urn in a niche. Behind is a ruined two-storied arcaded construction.
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Reference number
Adam vol.57/117
Purpose
Capriccio of a ruined circular mausoleum with statues flanking a sarcophagus and urn in a niche. Behind is a ruined two-storied arcaded construction.
Aspect
Perspectiveverso elevation
Inscribed
Inscribed in ink 117
Signed and dated
- Undated, probably 1755 or 1756.
Medium and dimensions
Pencil, pen; grey, brown and blue washes; pencil framing line165 x 251
Hand
Charles-Louis Clérisseau
Verso
Unfinished pencil sketch of garlands.
Notes
The mausoleum in this drawing derives from that of Cecilia Metella on the Via Appia, Rome. The ruins behind are reminiscent of the Colosseum although there is nothing of that type near the mausoleum. The arcading and vaulted base can also be compared with the Tempio della Tosse near Tivoli, which Piranesi ilustrated in his Vedute di Roma (pl.202). The wall tomb is a typical neo-classical invention of the mid-eighteenth century, as seen in the engravings of Jean-Laurent Le Geay (c.1710-after 1796) (see J. Harris 'Le Geay, Piranesi & International Neo-classicism in Rome 1740-1750' in Essays in the History of Architecture presented to Rudolf Wittkower, Phaidon, London, 1967, pp.189-196.
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