Architectural models: Archaeology and accuracy

Models of ancient buildings were also produced at this time. Perhaps the most famous model-makers were the Parisians Jean-Pierre Fouquet and his son François Fouquet. In Britain, their plaster models were bought by architects such as John Nash, whose collection of models passed to the V&A in the 1850s.

  • Model of a monument at Palmyra, Syria



    Model of a monument at Palmyra, Syria
    Probably by Jean-Pierre Fouquet (1752-1829) and François Fouquet (1787-1870)
    Paris
    1820s
    Plaster on metal armature, wooden base
    Height 64 cm x width 31 cm x depth 31 cm
    Museum no. L.243

    This model of a tetrapylon form monument probably represents one of the group of four at Palmyra shown in an idealised state. It would have had a statue in the centre which is now missing. Most of the details on this model were made in moulds and applied to the armature.

  • Model of the Arch of Constantine



    Model of the Arch of Constantine
    Probably by Jean-Pierre Fouquet (1752-1829) and François Fouquet (1787-1870)
    Paris
    1820s
    Plaster on metal armature, wooden base
    Height 54 cm x width 68 cm x depth 34 cm
    Museum no. Circ.215-1916

    Models of Roman arches such as this one, as well as Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel (1806-8), may have helped to inspire John Nash in his general design for Marble Arch (1825-33). Curiously, however, some of the relief panels have been put on in the wrong order on this model of the Arch of Constantine.

  • Model of the Temple of Concord, Agrigento, Sicily



    Model of the Temple of Concord, Agrigento, Sicily
    Probably Italian
    Mid-19th century
    Cork and moss on a wooden base
    Height 16 cm x depth 42 cm x width 22 cm
    Museum no. 5917-1859

    The softness of cork lends itself to being easily worked in minute detail as in this model of a temple shown in a ruinous state. It is one of five cork models of classical temples that were on display in the early years of the South Kensington Museum, now the V&A. It shows the inner cella walls as they were during the later Christian use of the building from the 6th century AD.

  • Part of a model of pillars in Tirumala Nayak's Pudu Mandapa, Madurai, India



    Part of a model of pillars in Tirumala Nayak's Pudu Mandapa, Madurai, India
    Madurai, Tamil Nadu, South India
    1780-89
    Copper alloy
    Height 33 cm x width 41 cm x depth 16 cm
    Museum no. 98-98D-1870

    Antiquarian interest in the monuments of India burgeoned in the late 18th century and this model represents an early attempt to understand Indian temple architecture. It was commissioned by Adam Blackader, a surgeon residing in Madurai, who sent the model and scale drawings to London. His letter about them was read out to the Society of Antiquaries in 1789.

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