• Jacques-François Blondel (draughtsman)

Elevation for a palace project

circa 1762

This drawing shows a three-story, centrally planned palace. The entry portal at center features paired columns flanking niches with allegorical figures. Above them are empty escutcheons. On the walls on either side of the portal are two larger allegorical sculptural groups.

A courtyard separates the entry portal from the palace, which Blondel indicates with an overall gray wash. The ground floor is mostly obscured by the gate, however it includes rectangular windows visible between the gate’s columns. The first level has large, un-mullioned windows which are not completely geometric but have a soft bow at the top. These are interspersed with Corinthian pilasters on either side of a central pavilion. This pavilion projects slightly and includes pairs of Corinthian columns at the corners. Three rounded windows are centered above the portal and atop these is a large triangular pediment with an indistinct sculptural scene roughly sketched at its center. Above the pediment are two reclining allegorical figures supporting a large escutcheon. An attic story includes Corinthian pilasters and two figures at either corner. Two square, un-mullioned windows are visible on either side of the central sculptural group.

Perpendicular to the central mass are two wings that signal the palace’s U-shaped plan. These wings appear to follow the orders of the main facade and both levels feature rounded windows with low balustrades. At the top of the flat roof on either side are four pairs of allegorical and mythological figures.

Projecting laterally from the main building are two single-story buildings that are likely entrances to the basse-cour (outer courtyard). These out buildings are distinguished from the palace through their rustication. Their portals have triangular pediments with empty escutcheons and lions on either side.

Pencil, pen, and black ink drawing with gray and brown washes on two paper sheets extended vertically by additional paper strips. crayon, plume et encre noire avec lavis gris et brun sur deux feuilles jointes

sheet: 46,9 x 147,5 cm (18 7/16 x 58 1/16 in.)

DR1981:0029

Recto in graphite bottom right: A3