Design for a bridge in the Chinese style to be erected at Sanssouci

People:

Sir William Chambers (draughtsman)
Sir William Chambers (architect)
Frederick II, King of Prussia (client)

Title:

Design for a bridge in the Chinese style to be erected at Sanssouci

Date:

ca. 1763

Description:

- DR1981:0024 shows a design for what appears to be an ornamental footbridge. No dimensions are given and materials are not indicated, but the structure could not have been erected at a very large scale. The road bed consists of three sections: a central flat section supported on a broad flat arch; and two gently-sloped side sections, each supported on seven small, round-headed arches. The span of the bridge is braced between two sets of double piers. Each of these four piers carries an octagonal kiosk consisting of closed panels below and an open framework above. At the centre of the bridge rises a pavilion formed of sixteen columns on a rectangular plan (six columns on each of the two long sides) supporting a curved gable roof. Above the road bed, the superstructure is decorated with banners, lanterns, fretwork, and inscriptions, all in a style of Chinese derivation.

Form:
drawings

Quantity / Object type:
1 drawing(s)

Stage and Purpose:

presentation drawing (proposal)

Technique and media:

Pen and black ink with watercolours over graphite

Dimensions:

sheet: 31.4 x 46.8 cm

Reference number:

DR1981:0024

Drawing Type:

rendering

Method of Projection:

orthographic drawing (object)
plan (drawing)
elevation (drawing)

Physical characteristics and technical requirements:

- Old fold [approx. 0.5 cm] right hand side of sheet with regularly spaced stitching holes from a previous binding. Also fold centre top to bottom.

Inscription:

inscribed - by a modern hand, in graphite, verso, l.l.: "Sir W. Chambers"

Subject:

architecture
landscape architecture

Credit line:
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal

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