Model for Altar for Woodcarvers
1751
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1751
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This drawing shows a fancy altar design with lots of carving details. Two figures stand on either side near the base, holding scrolls or books. Above them, a tall, curved frame holds a central space with a small statue and a shield-like emblem. The top has a wreath and two cherubs with wings, one holding a palm branch. The artist focused on making the woodwork look three-dimensional, even though it’s just a sketch. The curves and shadows give it depth. Check out The Cleveland Museum of Art to see more of this kind of detailed design.
