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Henry Hugh Armstead RA, Four figures in niches, a design for part of the Westminster Abbey reredos
Henry Hugh Armstead RA, Four figures in niches, a design for part of the Westminster Abbey reredos

Four figures in niches, a design for part of the Westminster Abbey reredos, 1860s

Henry Hugh Armstead RA (1828 - 1905)

RA Collection: Art

A preparatory drawing for figures on the Westminster Abbey reredos. The figure on the left hand side is identifiable as Moses holding the tablets of the law. Next to him is Saint Peter holding a key as his attribute. One the right is Saint Paul preaching and King David playing his lyre. There are also studies of decorative details drawn in pencil on the right hand side.

The high altar and reredos of Westminster Abbey were remodelled to the designs of Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1867. The reredos features these four alabaster figures sculpted by Armstead who also designed the subjects on the cornice above.

Object details

Title
Four figures in niches, a design for part of the Westminster Abbey reredos
Artist/designer
Date
1860s
Object type
Drawing
Medium
Pen and ink over pencil on cream wove paper
Dimensions

186 mm x 257 mm

Collection
Royal Academy of Arts
Object number
04/2900
Acquisition
Given by Dr. Hugh Wells Armstead 1932
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