Drawing of tombs of three bishops

1838

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Dominant colour

Drawing of tombs of three bishops is a 1838 by A.W.N. Pugin, a Romanticism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: A.W.N. Pugin
When & what style?: 1838 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This sketch shows three tall, robed figures standing on decorated bases. Each holds a staff topped with a round object, and their heads are crowned with intricate headgear. The drawing is simple, with clean lines and no color, focusing on shapes and details like folds in the fabric and the carvings on their bases. The text at the bottom names the location as "tombs in nave cathedral Magence," though the spelling looks off—it’s likely a mistake. The figures look like bishops, dressed in heavy robes with sashes and detailed collars. If you like this style, look up A.W.N. Pugin next.

The story of this work

Overview

A.W.N. Pugin’s 1838 drawing depicts carved effigies of three bishops from the late 15th or early 16th century, located in Mainz Cathedral, Rheinland-Pfalz. The study was made during Pugin’s visit to Mainz from August 1–2, 1838, with a later visit recorded in his diaries from July 29–30, 1845.

Read the full account in the museum source.