The Vyne Chapel

Spiridione Roma (Corfu c. 1735 – London 1786). 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. Vyne Estate, Hampshire (Accredited Museum)