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1 of 253523 objects
Design for the altar of the Chapel of the Circumcision in the Church of Our Lady (Former Cathedral), Antwerp 1721-22
Pen and brown ink with watercolour over graphite | 33.0 x 21.8 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 913017
![Design for the altar of the Chapel of the Circumcision in the Church of Our Lady (Former Cathedral), Antwerp Design for the altar of the Chapel of the Circumcision in the Church of Our Lady (Former Cathedral), Antwerp](https://col.rct.uk/sites/default/files/styles/rctr-scale-1300-500/public/collection-online/b/1/267592-1334573104.jpg?itok=SOnNi9CP)
Alexander van Papenhoven (1668-1759)
Design for the altar of the Chapel of the Circumcision in the Church of Our Lady (Former Cathedral), Antwerp 1721-22
![](https://col.rct.uk/sites/default/files/styles/rctr-scale-1300-500/public/collection-online/b/1/267592-1334573104.jpg?itok=SOnNi9CP)
![](https://col.rct.uk/sites/default/files/styles/rctr-scale-1300-500/public/collection-online/5/f/180825-1308140404.jpg?itok=iRvt8Lpl)
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A design for the altar of the Chapel of the Circumcision in the Church of Our Lady (Former Cathedral), Antwerp; in the bottom centre a sarcophagus flanked on either side by a winged figure; above it, a bas-relief of the Nativity. This is flanked by identical doors, which in turn are flanked by flat pilasters with Corinthian capitals, linked above by a double cornice, featuring a head with winged scrolls and the arms of Antwerp. In the coffered lunette above the upper cornice is an inscription framed by a round-topped pediment; above, extending into a windowed cupola, two angels support a sphere surmounted by a star and flying cherubs. Inscribed on the entablature: GLORIA IN ECCELSIS / DEO / D.O.M./ STELLA DUCE / IN CARNE MANIFESTATO / SACRUM.; and below the cornice: S.P.Q.A. and P.C. Van Papenhoven brought this project to a succesful conclusion and his part in the work is described in the archives of the Magistrates of Antwerp. The triptych by Metsys was installed in the Circumcision Chapel altar in 1722, when the altar was finished.
Provenance
Cardinal Alessandro Albani; acquired by George III, 1762 (once part of the 'Albani Elephant Volume')
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Medium and techniques
Pen and brown ink with watercolour over graphite
Measurements
33.0 x 21.8 cm (sheet of paper)
Other number(s)
RL 13017