Ardemans was a son of a German guard to King Philip V. He entered the workshop of Claudio Coello, and later studied mathematics and architecture in the Royal College of the Jesuits. He worked in Granada as maestro mayor of the construction of the cathedral from 1688 to 1691. He returned to Madrid to replace the city architect and in 1700 became first architect. Ardemans was appointed supervisor to the King's buildings in 1702 and two years later court painter.
The present drawing was probably intended to be carved in stone, although it might be a design for a temporary structure. The central armorial cartouche with the tower of Castille and the lions of Leon, the closed crown and the Order of the Golden Fleece suggest a connection with the Spanish Royal Family