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Academic study for the plan of a circular pavilion with eight external three-bay niches. In the centre is a pavilion in Greek Cross style. Underlying the plan is an finished sketch of a Corinthian capital.
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Reference number
Adam vol.9/26
Purpose
Academic study for the plan of a circular pavilion with eight external three-bay niches. In the centre is a pavilion in Greek Cross style. Underlying the plan is an finished sketch of a Corinthian capital.
Aspect
Plan, over detail
Inscribed
Inscribed in ink on drawing 26
Signed and dated
- Undated, probably 1755 - 56.
Medium and dimensions
Grey wash, pen; chalk (underlying drawing)98 x 115
Hand
Robert Adam
Notes
This small plan is comparable to those for circular buildings found in Adam vol.9/2 and 3. The most obvious source for all of them was the Maritime Theatre at Tivoli, Italy. However, the form of the internal pavilion in this drawing suggests a mausoleum similar to those shown on the verso of Adam vol.9/17; a mausoleum of this sort was found at S. Maria di Capua Vecchia, Italy, which was illustrated by several Renaissance architects and later by Pietro Santi Bartoli in Gli Antichi Sepolcri, 1699, 1, pl.86. Robert Adam saw Capua and its antiquities during his Neapolitan tour of 1755 (see foe example Adam volume 57, particularly Adam vol.57/18 and 36). The chalk or pencil and wash technique used here is the same as that found in Adam vol.9/25, 27 and 28.The faint chalk drawing of a capital suggests that this is a reused sheet.
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