Antonio Adami (Italian, 18th century)

The present watercolour elevation is thought to relate to a series of drawings executed in the office of Antonio Visentini (1688-1782), architect and engraver. The brown pen and ink line border is in keeping with drawings produced in his studio. Such drawings were sold in sets and were also engraved. One particular commission was for Joseph Smith, Honorary British Consul in Venice during the middle of the 18th century. The Royal Insitute of British Architects has a collection of drawings by the artist and his office. It has not been possible to find any reference to Antonio Adami working as an architect, other than he is said to have been responsible for the Sacristy of St Peter's, Rome.
The present watercolour is also close to 'The West Prospect of the Cathedral Church of St Paul's, London', engraved by I. Simon. The pediment in this version is however vacant and the statues on the roof are absent. The dome is shown as it was thought it would be shortly before it was actually constructed.