Lot Essay
The monument to Algernon 6th Earl of Mountrath (1689-1744) was designed by the architect Sir William Chambers and executed in 1771 by the sculptor, Joseph Wilton.
Chambers was responsible for the conception and original scheme for the Mountrath Monument, but this drawing demonstrates that Cipriani was requested to produce sketches of ideas for Chambers to adapt.
Cipriani had met Wilton and Chambers in Italy in 1752 and on their return Wilton produced many sculptures for houses designed by Chambers; Cipriani executed the original drawings for some of these including those at Somerset House.
Chambers was responsible for the conception and original scheme for the Mountrath Monument, but this drawing demonstrates that Cipriani was requested to produce sketches of ideas for Chambers to adapt.
Cipriani had met Wilton and Chambers in Italy in 1752 and on their return Wilton produced many sculptures for houses designed by Chambers; Cipriani executed the original drawings for some of these including those at Somerset House.