Perspectival View and Floorplan of a Public (?) Building

ca. 1650–70
Not on view
This architectural drawing contains a perspectival view of a stately building with a plan of the ground floor above. The perspectival view of the building is executed in pen and ink over a chalk underdrawing and has been enhanced with watercolor and colored chalk. The floorplan is also executed in pen and ink over a chalk underdrawing and the supporting walls have been filled in with black watercolor or wash for emphasis. Above the finished floorplan another plan is visible in very faint chalk only, which may suggest an extension to the building. The inscription on the right side of the sheet also seems to suggest that the building could be expanded upon if so desired.

The drawing dates to the third quarter of the seventeenth century and demonstrates the style of building that became popular under the auspices of architects like Francois Mansart, and the academic approach to architectural drawing that was taught at the Académie des Beaux-Arts. Given the size of the building and the presence of the recurring Royal coat of arms in the decorations, this would likely have been meant as a Royal residence or a public building. The stables to the right and the figure of Athena in the pediment above the main entrance could indicate a military academy or headquarters. It is unclear whether the drawing relates to a specific building commission, or whether it might have been created as a design exercise.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Perspectival View and Floorplan of a Public (?) Building
  • Artist: Anonymous, French, 17th century
  • Date: ca. 1650–70
  • Medium: Pen and brown ink and watercolor over black chalk
  • Dimensions: Sheet: 16 1/2 × 11 1/2 in. (41.9 × 29.2 cm)
  • Classifications: Drawings, Ornament & Architecture
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Joseph McCrindle Foundation Gift, 2023
  • Object Number: 2023.150
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.