18th Century Architectural Model of Doric Column

Object Description

An extremely rare and exquisite, Grand Tour-inspired architectural model of a classical column, representing the Roman Doric order of architecture.
England, third quarter of 18th century.

Why we like it
Exquisitely carved from the best mahogany and having accents picked out in gold, this extremely rare survival from the golden age of Classical architecture in Britain was perhaps intended for an architect’s office, or for a study of a gentleman architect, such as Lord Burlington (1694–1753), who was famously known as the “Apollo of the Arts” and the “Architect Earl”. Such exquisite and decorative objects were copied from ancient Greek and Roman originals, that aspiring architects could see and draw during their ‘Grand Tour’ in Italy, Greece, Ottoman Empire and etc.

Object History

The only other comparable example of such rare objects that we came across was a set of three columns, previously owned by the late Sir Albert Richardson (1880–1964), architect, historian, writer, artist, teacher and sometime President of the Royal Academy –  sold by Christie’s London, 19 September 2013, lot 173 (£13,750). A comparable delicacy of the carving, in the manner of the ‘St. Martin’s Lane circle’, suggests that our columns were very likely made by the same master-craftsman.

Object Literature

Christie’s London, 19 September 2013, lot 173

Object Condition

minor losses, minor signs of old woodworm to base, minor age splits to mouldings

Object Details