Artwork
Canterbury Cathedral Font Design
Canterbury Cathedral Font Design is a drawing by the Baroque artist John Christmas. It dates from 1638 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This drawing is a detailed design for a font at Canterbury Cathedral, created in the early 17th century.
About this work
This is a highly finished perspective drawing for a new font at Canterbury Cathedral. Artist John Christmas got the job from Bishop John Warner in 1637. The font was fancy, with marble and statues of Christ and the four Evangelists.
Bishop Warner signed the drawing himself. The Civil War later damaged the font due to Puritan anger over its cost and decoration.
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Overview
This drawing is a detailed design for a font at Canterbury Cathedral, created in the early 17th century. It showcases a proposed marble font with sculptural elements.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a font adorned with statues of Christ and the four Evangelists, symbolizing the Christian faith and its spread.
History & Provenance
Commissioned by Bishop John Warner in 1637, the font was designed by John Christmas and completed in 1639. The drawing bears Warner's signature and was rediscovered at an antiques market in 2002.
Technique & Style
The drawing is a highly finished perspective work, likely created by Christmas or a professional draughtsman. Its scale and execution make it a notable example of English design.
Context
The font's elaborate design and costly materials made it a target for Puritan discontent during the Civil War, resulting in significant damage.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Christmas worked in the 1630s, leaving behind precise architectural drawings.
