Artwork

Pier of Choir, Ely Cathedral

Pier of Choir, Ely Cathedral, by Somers Clarke, 1891
Pier of Choir, Ely Cathedral, by Somers Clarke, 1891

Pier of Choir, Ely Cathedral is a drawing by Somers Clarke. It dates from 1891 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This pencil drawing isolates a specific architectural element from Ely Cathedral, focusing on a single pier within the choir area.

About this work

Overview

This pencil drawing isolates a specific architectural element from Ely Cathedral, focusing on a single pier within the choir area.

Subject & Meaning

The depicted pier consists of a tall, pointed arch supported by two columns with simple bases and rounded, decorated capitals. A small, flat stone block is situated below the arch.

Technique & Style

The drawing features carefully rendered lines with selective shading to convey depth. The artist's use of precise draftsmanship emphasizes the architectural details of the subject.

History & Provenance

Limited information is provided about the drawing's creation date, artist, or ownership history. It is labeled 'Pier of Choir,' indicating its specific location within Ely Cathedral.

Context

As part of a broader architectural context, this pier is one element of Ely Cathedral's choir. The drawing highlights the Gothic architectural style characteristic of the cathedral.

Legacy

The drawing serves as a detailed record of Ely Cathedral's architectural features. Its focus on a single element showcases the importance of such details in understanding the cathedral's overall design.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Somers Clarke

Artist

Somers Clarke

George Somers Clarke was an architect and English Egyptologist who worked on the restoration and design of churches and at a number of sites throughout Egypt, notably in El Kab, where he built a mud brick house.