Artwork
Design for a painting within an architectural setting depicting Ptolemy I commissioning the Library at Alexandria
Design for a painting within an architectural setting depicting Ptolemy I commissioning the Library at Alexandria is a drawing by James Thornhill. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This drawing is a preparatory design for a painting intended to be part of a larger architectural setting, showcasing Thornhill's planning for a grand scene.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts Ptolemy I commissioning the Library at Alexandria, a subject Thornhill explored in multiple drawings, highlighting the historical significance of the ancient library.
Technique & Style
Thornhill employed pen and ink to sketch the composition, followed by the application of wash to create a sense of depth and dimensionality, and included a scale along the bottom edge to guide the final painting's proportions.
History & Provenance
The drawing's verso features a sketch for the Clarendon Building at Oxford, indicating Thornhill's diverse architectural and artistic pursuits.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Sir James Thornhill was an English painter of historical subjects working in the Italian baroque tradition.
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