Enfilade

James Thornhill, Preliminary Design for the Ceiling of the Upper Hall at Greenwich, ca.1707, pen and ink with wash over pencil, squared in pencil, 34 × 38 cm (London: V&A, E.5199-1919). The drawing depicts Queen Anne at the centre, surrounded by allegorical figures representing Providence,the Virtues, the Arts and Sciences, and other emblems of Empire.

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Now on view at the V&A:

Exploring Lines: The Drawings of Sir James Thornhill
Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1 July — 13 August 2022

A display illustrating the work of Sir James Thornhill, and his process of developing and drawing intricate designs for his mural paintings.

Sir James Thornhill (1675 or 1676–1734) was one of the most renowned artists of early 18th-century Britain whose mural paintings adorned the walls and ceilings of prestigious buildings throughout the country. Focusing on the role that drawing played in Thornhill’s practice, this display explores how he used sketches and more considered worked up designs to develop his creative ideas.