Preliminary design for the ceiling of the Upper Hall at Greenwich
1707
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
About the artist
Artist
James, Sir Thornhill
Thornhill, James, Sir (1710–1710) was an artist.
See the richer artist page1707
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Preliminary design for the ceiling of the Upper Hall at Greenwich is a 1707 by James, Sir Thornhill, a Baroque work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This drawing is packed with tiny figures flying around in a chaotic, busy scene. At the top, angels or maybe gods float near a sunburst shape. Below, people and animals mix together—some look scared, others are fighting. The edges have swirly patterns and more small faces peeking out. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to fill every inch with movement. It’s like a crowded storybook where nothing stays still. Want to see more like this? Check out Baroque art for wild, dramatic scenes.
A preliminary design for the ceiling of the Upper Hall at Greenwich, this drawing in pen and ink with wash over pencil features Queen Anne at its center, encircled by allegorical figures representing Providence, the Virtues, the Arts and Sciences, and other symbols of Empire. The composition is squared in pencil for transfer or scaling. Previously misattributed as a design for Hampton Court, it was purchased in 1919. An oil painting of the same subject, exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1934, is held in the collection of L.G. Martin.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Thornhill, James, Sir (1710–1710) was an artist.
See the richer artist pageYour cart is empty
Explore artworks →
