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A Collection of Ceilings, Decorated In The Style of The Antique Grotesque

Print
1793 (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This print is a design for a library ceiling. It is from A Collection of Ceilings, Decorated in The Style of the Antique Grotesque, first published in parts from 1774. The designer George Richardson worked in the architectural firm of the Adam brothers, known for their neoclassical style. The Adam brothers Robert and James were active in the second half of the 18th century, and built private and public buildings in England and Scotland. This print is typical of the style of the firm: it draws inspiration from antiquity, and it is decorative yet light.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleA Collection of Ceilings, Decorated In The Style of The Antique Grotesque (suite title)
Materials and techniques
Etching and engraving hand coloured, on paper
Brief description
George Richardson (after), plate from 'A Collection of Ceilings, Decorated In The Style of The Antique Grotesque', London, 1793.
Physical description
Hand-coloured etching and engraving with a circular pattern in pale green and pink, with grotesque designs and a square central image showing angels
Dimensions
  • Cut to height: 23.2cm
  • Cut to width: 41.9cm
Gallery label
The full text of the label is as follows:

"PRINT: DESIGN FOR A LIBRARY CEILING
English, 1793
Hand-coloured etching by George Richardson from A Collection Of Ceilings, Decorated In The Style Of The Antique Grotesque, first published in parts from 1774.

Richardson's designs reflect his work in the architectural firm of the Adam brothers. This composition, with its restrained strip ornament, resembles that of ancient Roman ceilings."
Object history
From A Collection of Ceilings, Decorated in The Style of the Antique Grotesque, first published in parts from 1774.
Richardson's designs reflect his work in the architectural firm of the Adam brothers. This composition, with its restrained strip ornament, resembles that of ancient Roman ceilings.
Production
From A Collection of Ceilings, Decorated in The Style of the Antique Grotesque, first published in parts from 1774.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This print is a design for a library ceiling. It is from A Collection of Ceilings, Decorated in The Style of the Antique Grotesque, first published in parts from 1774. The designer George Richardson worked in the architectural firm of the Adam brothers, known for their neoclassical style. The Adam brothers Robert and James were active in the second half of the 18th century, and built private and public buildings in England and Scotland. This print is typical of the style of the firm: it draws inspiration from antiquity, and it is decorative yet light.
Collection
Accession number
2216:32

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Record createdJune 29, 2005
Record URL
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