Design for an Aedicular Altar with St. Paul at the Left 1740 - 1779

This is Johann Georg Dirr's "Design for an Aedicular Altar with St. Paul at the Left," an ink and watercolor drawing on paper. Dirr's design is all about potential. Though just a concept, it offers a glimpse into the elaborate altars of the 18th century, and the labour that went into them. The design depicts a columned structure, adorned with cherubs and intricate detailing, grounded by a statue of St. Paul. It displays a range of artistic skills, from the precise architectural drawing to the delicate rendering of figures. Note the column's fluting, the careful shading, and the flourishes of gold leaf. Imagine the skills that would be required to execute this design in three dimensions, the carving, gilding and painting. Dirr’s drawing bridges the gap between the initial artistic idea and the physical creation of the altar, reminding us that every object, whether functional or decorative, begins with design and is brought to life through skillful execution. It underlines the crucial role of craftspeople in realizing artistic visions, contributing their expertise to transform concepts into tangible realities.