Ceiling sketches for the Dome of St Paul's Cathedral

James Thornhill (1675 - 1734)

St Paul's Cathedral Library

1715

Two early designs for two segments of the Dome of St Paul's Cathedral: 'Subjects from the Life of St Paul'. Thornhill was first invited to compete for the dome decoration in 1709; in 1715 he obtained the commission and was instructed to execute it in monochrome. These sketches were made when he thought they would be in colour and contain several elements from the Raphael cartoons which Thornhill greatly admired.

• Medium: oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 82 x 74 cm
• Art Fund Grant: £89 ( Total: £89)
• ArtFunded in: 1953

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