Sketch of a Classical Pedestal 1776 - 1779

This is Thomas Hardwick's pencil sketch of a classical pedestal. It's a great example of the 18th-century obsession with classical antiquity. Hardwick was an architect working in England, where there was a deep fascination with ancient Greece and Rome and their architectural principles. The Grand Tour – an aristocratic rite of passage – meant wealthy Brits would travel around Europe, often bringing back antiquities and artworks. This spurred a fashion for Neoclassical design. Here, we see the pedestal adorned with eagles, garlands, and inscriptions in Latin. The pedestal would have been considered a symbol of prestige and power, referencing the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Hardwick's drawing shows how classical forms were being studied, copied, and adapted for contemporary use. To understand this sketch, we need to consider the institutions and social practices that shaped artistic tastes at the time. Further research into the Grand Tour, Neoclassical architecture, and the role of architects like Hardwick would give us a greater understanding. The meaning of this artwork is embedded in its cultural and institutional context.