Halved Design for an Altar with Angel and Putti 1700 - 1780

This anonymous drawing, "Halved Design for an Altar with Angel and Putti," from the 18th century, is a detailed study for the design of a ceremonial altar. It shows the elaborate ornamentation typical of the Baroque period, with a focus on the three fluted columns and the elaborate scrollwork of the entablature, which includes an angel and putti. The design incorporates intricate details and a sense of movement, characteristic of Baroque architecture. The drawing, now held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides valuable insights into the design process and the aesthetic preferences of the time.