The Vyne Chapel
Spiridione Roma (Corfu c. 1735 – London 1786)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
circa 1769 - circa 1771
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
457 x 546 mm (18 x 21 1/2 in)
Place of origin
Hampshire
Order this imageCollection
Vyne Estate, Hampshire
NT 719409
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, The Vyne Chapel by Spiridione Roma (Corfu c. 1735 – London 1786), circa 1769/71. This is Roma's oil sketch for the large decoration of fan vaulting which formerly hung above the choir stalls in the Chapel and has since been moved to the Chapel Gallery. It is not a sketch, but a finished painting, and as it does not portray the trompe l'oeil decorations as they were executed, it may well have been intended by Roma to give his patron John Chute an idea as to how the chapel would finally appear. The painting shows the south wall of the chapel. As depicted the panelling adjoining the choir stalls differs from its present appearance. Openings with carved fretwork today give a view into the tomb chamber. The painted Gothic decorations, although differing considerably in detail, approximate to those executed by Roma. Roma, born in Corfu, came to England around 1770 and was employed by John Chute at The Vyne. On being dismissed for idleness, he set up as a picture restorer, gaining considerable practice among the city companies. He remained in England until his death.
Provenance
In 1842 Inventory: "Interior of a Chapel", in the Chapel Parlour; bequeathed with The Vyne, estate and contents by Sir Charles Chute, 1st Bt (1879-1956)
Credit line
The Vyne, The Chute Collection (National Trust)
Makers and roles
Spiridione Roma (Corfu c. 1735 – London 1786), artist
References
McCarthy 1975-1976 Michael McCarthy, “John Chute’s drawings for The Vyne.” National Trust Year Book (1975-76): pp.70-80 Croft-Murray 1962-1970: Edward Croft-Murray, Decorative Painting in England, 1537 - 1837 (2 vols), 1962-1970, 1970, II, p.271