Elevation and Plan for a Round Mausoleum 1734 - 1789

This architectural drawing by Jean Charles Delafosse is a design for a mausoleum. It depicts an elevation and plan view of a towering, circular structure, featuring a series of tiered platforms adorned with sculptures. The central dome is crowned by a figure holding a torch, symbolizing eternal life. The elaborate details and the precise geometric plan showcase the Neoclassical style prevalent in 18th-century French architecture, highlighting the influence of ancient Roman design principles. This drawing, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers insight into the grandeur and symbolic significance of mausoleums in the era.