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Vetusta Monumenta: Ancient Monuments, a Digital Edition

Plate 2.39: Engravings of the Font in Winchester Cathedral (1 of 2)

Plates 2.39-2.40 of Vetusta Monumenta depict the twelfth-century baptismal font located in Winchester Cathedral. Carved of a blue-black limestone commonly known as “Tournai marble,” the north and east sides of this font depict eight birds and a mammal, and the south and west sides present hagiographical scenes from the life of St. Nicholas of Myra (also known as “Saint Nick” or Santa Claus). Engravings by James Basire Sr. after John Carter. 495 mm x 336 mm and 493 mm x 332 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1786. Current Location: Winchester Cathedral, Winchester, Hampshire, UK.

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1. Plate 2.21: Engravings of an Antique Bronze Figure (1 of 2) Plates 2.21-2.22 of Vetusta Monumenta depict a bronze statuette, 22 1/4 inches high, believed in the eighteenth century to be of ancient origin. It was acquired by Thomas Hollis in Italy in 1753 and exhibited at a meeting of the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1758, after which Hollis donated the drawings here reproduced. Engravings by James Basire Sr. after drawings by Giovanni Battista Cipriani. 537 x 354 mm and 535 x 349 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1765. Current location: The figure itself is untraced; the drawings are at the Society of Antiquaries of London (Society Albums-Classical Antiquities [195h]).
2. Plate 2.22: Engravings of an Antique Bronze Figure (2 of 2) Plates 2.21-2.22 of Vetusta Monumenta depict a bronze statuette, 22 1/4 inches high, believed in the eighteenth century to be of ancient origin. It was acquired by Thomas Hollis in Italy in 1753 and exhibited at a meeting of the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1758, after which Hollis donated the drawings here reproduced. Engravings by James Basire Sr. after drawings by Giovanni Battista Cipriani. 537 x 354 mm and 535 x 349 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1765. Current location: The figure itself is untraced; the drawings are at the Society of Antiquaries of London (Society Albums-Classical Antiquities [195h]).
3. Plate 2.23: Engravings of Richmond and Nonsuch Palaces (1 of 2) Plates 2.23-2.24 of Vetusta Monumenta depict the Richmond and Nonsuch Palaces in Surrey, UK. Plate 2.24 was misidentified as Richmond Palace when these plates were first published, and was not correctly identified until 150 years later. Engravings by James Basire Sr. after a drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar and an anonymous seventeenth-century painting. 328 x 490 mm and 269 x 375 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1765. Current location: Both Nonsuch Palace and Richmond Palace were demolished in the late seventeenth century, but the Richmond Palace gatehouse is still extant today in East Molesey, Surrey, UK.
4. Plate 2.24: Engravings of Richmond and Nonsuch Palaces (2 of 2) Plates 2.23-2.24 of Vetusta Monumenta depict the Richmond and Nonsuch Palaces in Surrey, UK. Plate 2.24 was misidentified as Richmond Palace when these plates were first published, and was not correctly identified until 150 years later. Engravings by James Basire Sr. after a drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar and an anonymous seventeenth-century painting. 328 x 490 mm and 269 x 375 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1765. Current location: Both Nonsuch Palace and Richmond Palace were demolished in the late seventeenth century, but the Richmond Palace gatehouse is still extant today in East Molesey, Surrey, UK.
5. Plate 2.25: Engraving of the Palace of Placentia Plate 2.25 of Vetusta Monumenta depicts the Palace of Placentia, also known as Greenwich Palace or the King’s House at Greenwich, originally built by Humphrey of Lancaster, Duke of Gloucester, in the mid-fifteenth century. The print is based on a drawing originally in the possession of Horace Walpole. Engraving by James Basire after George Vertue. 326 x 497 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1767. Current location: The main palace was demolished in 1660. In 1997 the site became a part of the UNESCO Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site in London, UK.
6. Plate 2.26: Engraving of the East Window of St. Margaret’s Church Plate 2.26 of Vetusta Monumenta depicts a sixteenth-century Flemish-inspired stained-glass window produced in Holland and shipped to England around 1526. Known now as the “Great East Window at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster,” its three central lights show the Crucifixion, and its two outer lights feature portraits of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. The window was first installed in the Church of Waltham Abbey, and then moved to New Hall, Essex during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The window was installed in St. Margaret’s in 1758, provoking some controversy. Engraving by James Basire after George Vertue. 575 x 378 mm (bifolium). Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1768. Current Location: St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey, London, UK.
7. Plate 2.27: Engraving of Hampton Court Palace Plate 2.27 of Vetusta Monumenta depicts the northern and eastern exposures of Hampton Court Palace as they appeared in the mid-seventeenth century. Etching by John Pye after an anonymous drawing copied by Michael Tyson. 377 x 726 mm (bifolium). Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1769. Current location: Richmond-upon-Thames, UK. Many of the edifices depicted in the plate were demolished to facilitate the construction of the Baroque palace and gardens of King William III and Queen Mary II.
8. Plate 2.28: Engraving of a Portrait of Charles Lyttelton Plate 2.28 of Vetusta Monumenta reproduces a c. 1765 portrait of Charles Lyttelton, Bishop of Carlisle and President of the Society of Antiquaries of London from 1765 to 1768. Lyttelton played an active role in securing the Society’s royal charter in 1751, and this portrait was likely painted to commemorate his appointment as president of the Society in 1765. Engraving by James Watson after Francis Cotes. 390 x 275 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1770. Current location: The original portrait is untraced.
9. Plate 2.29: Engravings of Three Monuments in Westminster Abbey (1 of 7) Plates 2.29-2.35 of Vetusta Monumenta depict three sepulchral monuments in Westminster Abbey, dedicated to Aveline, Countess of Lancaster, King Sebert (the abbey’s founder), and Anne of Cleves (the fourth wife of Henry VIII). These plates are the largest set to be commissioned for Vetusta Monumenta up to that time. Engravings by James Basire, Sr. after his own drawings, or possibly those of his apprentice, William Blake. 483 x 312 mm, 481 x 310 mm, 478 x 308 mm, 479 x 310 mm, 479 x 310 mm, 483 x 311 mm, and 314 x 487 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1780. Current location: Westminster Abbey, London, UK.
10. Plate 2.30: Engravings of Three Monuments in Westminster Abbey (2 of 7) Plates 2.29-2.35 of Vetusta Monumenta depict three sepulchral monuments in Westminster Abbey, dedicated to Aveline, Countess of Lancaster, King Sebert (the abbey’s founder), and Anne of Cleves (the fourth wife of Henry VIII). These plates are the largest set to be commissioned for Vetusta Monumenta up to that time. Engravings by James Basire, Sr. after his own drawings, or possibly those of his apprentice, William Blake. 483 x 312 mm, 481 x 310 mm, 478 x 308 mm, 479 x 310 mm, 479 x 310 mm, 483 x 311 mm, and 314 x 487 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1780. Current location: Westminster Abbey, London, UK.
11. Plate 2.31: Engravings of Three Monuments in Westminster Abbey (3 of 7) Plates 2.29-2.35 of Vetusta Monumenta depict three sepulchral monuments in Westminster Abbey, dedicated to Aveline, Countess of Lancaster, King Sebert (the abbey’s founder), and Anne of Cleves (the fourth wife of Henry VIII). These plates are the largest set to be commissioned for Vetusta Monumenta up to that time. Engravings by James Basire, Sr. after his own drawings, or possibly those of his apprentice, William Blake. 483 x 312 mm, 481 x 310 mm, 478 x 308 mm, 479 x 310 mm, 479 x 310 mm, 483 x 311 mm, and 314 x 487 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1780. Current location: Westminster Abbey, London, UK.
12. Plate 2.32: Engravings of Three Monuments in Westminster Abbey (4 of 7) Plates 2.29-2.35 of Vetusta Monumenta depict three sepulchral monuments in Westminster Abbey, dedicated to Aveline, Countess of Lancaster, King Sebert (the abbey’s founder), and Anne of Cleves (the fourth wife of Henry VIII). These plates are the largest set to be commissioned for Vetusta Monumenta up to that time. Engravings by James Basire, Sr. after his own drawings, or possibly those of his apprentice, William Blake. 483 x 312 mm, 481 x 310 mm, 478 x 308 mm, 479 x 310 mm, 479 x 310 mm, 483 x 311 mm, and 314 x 487 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1780. Current location: Westminster Abbey, London, UK.
13. Plate 2.33: Engravings of Three Monuments in Westminster Abbey (5 of 7) Plates 2.29-2.35 of Vetusta Monumenta depict three sepulchral monuments in Westminster Abbey, dedicated to Aveline, Countess of Lancaster, King Sebert (the abbey’s founder), and Anne of Cleves (the fourth wife of Henry VIII). These plates are the largest set to be commissioned for Vetusta Monumenta up to that time. Engravings by James Basire, Sr. after his own drawings, or possibly those of his apprentice, William Blake. 483 x 312 mm, 481 x 310 mm, 478 x 308 mm, 479 x 310 mm, 479 x 310 mm, 483 x 311 mm, and 314 x 487 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1780. Current location: Westminster Abbey, London, UK.
14. Plate 2.34: Engravings of Three Monuments in Westminster Abbey (6 of 7) Plates 2.29-2.35 of Vetusta Monumenta depict three sepulchral monuments in Westminster Abbey, dedicated to Aveline, Countess of Lancaster, King Sebert (the abbey’s founder), and Anne of Cleves (the fourth wife of Henry VIII). These plates are the largest set to be commissioned for Vetusta Monumenta up to that time. Engravings by James Basire, Sr. after his own drawings, or possibly those of his apprentice, William Blake. 483 x 312 mm, 481 x 310 mm, 478 x 308 mm, 479 x 310 mm, 479 x 310 mm, 483 x 311 mm, and 314 x 487 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1780. Current location: Westminster Abbey, London, UK.
15. Plate 2.35: Engravings of Three Monuments in Westminster Abbey (7 of 7) Plates 2.29-2.35 of Vetusta Monumenta depict three sepulchral monuments in Westminster Abbey, dedicated to Aveline, Countess of Lancaster, King Sebert (the abbey’s founder), and Anne of Cleves (the fourth wife of Henry VIII). These plates are the largest set to be commissioned for Vetusta Monumenta up to that time. Engravings by James Basire, Sr. after his own drawings, or possibly those of his apprentice, William Blake. 483 x 312 mm, 481 x 310 mm, 478 x 308 mm, 479 x 310 mm, 479 x 310 mm, 483 x 311 mm, and 314 x 487 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1780. Current location: Westminster Abbey, London, UK.
16. Plate 2.36: Engravings of a Monument of Raherus and St. Bartholomew's Priory Church (1 of 2) Plates 2.36-2.37 of Vetusta Monumenta depict the monument of Rahere, founder of the Augustinian Priory and Hospital of St. Bartholomew (2.36), and architectural elements of St. Bartholomew’s Priory Church (2.37). This monument to Rahere is a retrospective funerary monument most likely added during the “Great Restoration” of the twelfth-century church that was sponsored by Richard Waldon at the beginning of the fifteenth century. Engravings by James Basire Sr. after John Carter. 459 mm x 304 mm and 460 mm x 305 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1784. Current Location: Smithfield, London, UK.
17. Plate 2.37: Engravings of a Monument of Raherus and St. Bartholomew's Priory Church (2 of 2) Plates 2.36-2.37 of Vetusta Monumenta depict the monument of Rahere, founder of the Augustinian Priory and Hospital of St. Bartholomew (2.36), and architectural elements of St. Bartholomew’s Priory Church (2.37). This monument to Rahere is a retrospective funerary monument most likely added during the “Great Restoration” of the twelfth-century church that was sponsored by Richard Waldon at the beginning of the fifteenth century. Engravings by James Basire Sr. after John Carter. 459 mm x 304 mm and 460 mm x 305 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1784. Current Location: Smithfield, London, UK.
18. Plate 2.38: Engraving of a Fountain at Rouen, Dedicated to Joan of Arc Plate 2.38 of Vetusta Monumenta depicts a fountain dedicated to the memory of Joan of Arc in Rouen, Normandy. The fountain was erected in 1525 at what was believed to be the site of Joan’s execution in 1431. Engraving by James Basire Sr. after a drawing made in France, possibly by Louis-Jean Allais, under the direction of Jean-Baptiste Descamps. 492 mm x 311 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1786. Current Location: Originally in Rouen, France, the fountain was demolished in 1755 and replaced by another monument to Joan of Arc.
19. Plate 2.39: Engravings of the Font in Winchester Cathedral (1 of 2) Plates 2.39-2.40 of Vetusta Monumenta depict the twelfth-century baptismal font located in Winchester Cathedral. Carved of a blue-black limestone commonly known as “Tournai marble,” the north and east sides of this font depict eight birds and a mammal, and the south and west sides present hagiographical scenes from the life of St. Nicholas of Myra (also known as “Saint Nick” or Santa Claus). Engravings by James Basire Sr. after John Carter. 495 mm x 336 mm and 493 mm x 332 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1786. Current Location: Winchester Cathedral, Winchester, Hampshire, UK.
20. Plate 2.40: Engravings of the Font in Winchester Cathedral (2 of 2) Plates 2.39-2.40 of Vetusta Monumenta depict the twelfth-century baptismal font located in Winchester Cathedral. Carved of a blue-black limestone commonly known as “Tournai marble,” the north and east sides of this font depict eight birds and a mammal, and the south and west sides present hagiographical scenes from the life of St. Nicholas of Myra (also known as “Saint Nick” or Santa Claus). Engravings by James Basire Sr. after John Carter. 495 mm x 336 mm and 493 mm x 332 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1786. Current Location: Winchester Cathedral, Winchester, Hampshire, UK.