A PAINTED AND CARVED LIMEWOOD AND OAK MODEL OF ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL, LATE 17TH CENTURY/EARLY 18TH CENTURY |

the dome possibly associated with detachable tower, the western towers also detachable, on later red velvet lined base, losses and some redecoration

The Collection of Jan Vlug, London, circa 1935
The Renè Withofs Collection, Brussels until the 1990s
Acquired by the current owner in April 2000

The Naples Museum of Art (now the Baker Museum) Florida,  Masters of Miniature, September 11, 2002 — July 31, 2003

This remarkable model appears to be constructed in limewood and oak and show signs of its considerable age. The dome – carved from a single piece of wood – sits loose on the lower section and is probably associated with has some fillet repairs to the interior which have been employed to stabilize age cracks. The surface and decorative scheme of the dome are probably later, possibly refreshing earlier decoration underneath. The decoration of the 'lead' dome appears to be more original. The lower section stripped and varnished with remnants of original gesso and decoration throughout. Difficult to know state of original model but likely lacking statues and clock faces to one tower. Peg replaced on one tower. Evidence of old worm throughout which no longer appears to be active. Pitch roof missing and boards to roof probably replaced. Numerous old repairs and losses and replacements to carved detail. Later velvet covered plinth base. An atmospheric piece of a London icon with lots of character.
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This interesting early model of St Paul's Cathedral in London, the magnificent Sir Christopher Wren masterpiece, commissioned by Charles II following the Great Fire of London in 1666, possibly relates to an early design by the Royal Architect. In May 1670 Wren presented his first model, part of which remains in the collection at St Paul's today and which predates the Great Model which took ten months to prepare between December 1672 and September 1673 prior to the presentation to the King. Whether this current model, interestingly constructed in similar timbers to the Great model, was an interim example is a tantalizing thought and would certainly appear to date to around the period of construction.