Felbrigg Hall, Southwest View (Gloria Deo in Excelsis), Seat of the Honorable William Windham (from McGuire Scrapbook)

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, *Felbrigg Hall, Southwest View (Gloria Deo in Excelsis), Seat of the Honorable William Windham* offers a intimate glimpse into 18th- or 19th-century architectural grandeur. This precise graphite drawing captures the southwest facade of Felbrigg Hall, the esteemed English country seat of the Honorable William Windham, a prominent figure whose legacy is evoked in the artwork's evocative title. The Latin inscription "Gloria Deo in Excelsis"—"Glory to God in the Highest"—adds a layer of reverence, perhaps reflecting the owner's piety or the hall's stately splendor. Rendered in graphite on off-white wove paper, the modest 3 15/16 x 6 7/8-inch sketch showcases the artist's skillful use of pencil to convey texture and depth, from the hall's stonework to its surrounding landscape. Such intimate studies were common in personal sketchbooks, like the McGuire Scrapbook from which this piece hails—a gift to the Met in 1926 by James C. McGuire. Its placement in the American Wing hints at transatlantic cultural exchange, likely created by an American traveler or artist documenting European estates during the Grand Tour era. This unassuming drawing celebrates the enduring allure of historic houses, bridging personal artistry with architectural heritage and inviting visitors to ponder the lives behind these grand facades.