Projections of Columns
18th century
Medium
Pen and ink, brush and gray and brown wash
Dimensions
sheet: 11 1/2 x 16 3/4 in. (29.2 x 42.5 cm)
Classification
Drawings|Ornament & Architecture
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1960
Accession Number
60.632.78
Tags
Art Historical Context
"Projections of Columns," an anonymous British drawing from the 18th century offers a fascinating glimpse into the era's fascination with classical architecture. Created on a sheet measuring 11 1/2 x 16 3/4 inches, this work meticulously depicts various projections—or technical views—of columns, likely serving as a study for ornamental designs or building plans. During the 18th century, Britain was immersed in neoclassicism, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman structures, and such drawings were essential tools for architects, designers, and builders emulating those grand proportio...