Design for the Chimney Piece in the Throne Room, Buckingham Palace

Design for the Chimney Piece in the Throne Room, Buckingham Palace

John Flaxman

1823

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a fireplace design with ornate carvings. On the sides, there are tall columns topped with swirls and a crown. Above the fireplace, two winged lions flank a shield with a lion inside. The drawing is in black ink on light paper, with measurements marked in the corners. The lions and crown suggest this was meant for a grand, official space. The scale note—“one inch to a foot”—means the real fireplace would be much bigger. Next, check out Flaxman, John to see how his work blends art and architecture.

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