Architectural Model, Sanctuary or Tribune of Chapel in Riccardi palace, W. H Allen.

Model, wood, on a scale of 1/7th of a portion of the Sanctuary or tribune of the Chapel in the Riccardi Palace at Florence. This portion includes the wall on the left of the altar with the ceiling and floor. The part of the wall reproduced is painted with two frescos, the originals of which are the work of Benozzo Gozzoli. In the larger is a chois of angels in a landscape with a town on the right. The other represnets a pastoral scene, and fits a long narrow piece of wall over a tarsia door. The blue ceiling is decorated with a large gilt wreath, enclosing the sacred monogram amid rays also in gold. The portion of the dado beneath the large fresco is composed of four large circular slabs of red and green porphyry, and colured marbles, surrounded by a border of rings and floral ornament, alternating. In the corners and middle of the border are the arms of the Medici family. This family's badge, a diamond ring with the words 'Semper', is freely used in the decoration of the chapel. The floor is covered with an eleborate mosaic of slabs of red and green porphyry and coloured marbles.

Bought for £147 1s 10d.

This is a wooden model of part of the Sanctuary or Tribune of the Chapel in the Riccardi Palace in Florence. Work was begun on the Palace in 1430 by Cosimo de Medici after designs by Michelozzo Michelozzi and contained frescoes painted for Piero de Medici by Benozzo Gozzoli.

From its establishment in the mid nineteenth century the Museum collected architectural models including examples of Western, Asian and Far eastern buildings and monuments in their idealised or actual states. This collecting policy related to the Museum's founding principles and role in promoting 'good' design.

1277-1893