3 architectural drawings for the Royal Palace of Brussels.

3 drawings, pen and black ink, ground plan with watercolour, 52,5 x 77 cm, wove paper, signed on ground plan (upper left corner of front facade torn, several small repaired tears and folds, large sections of damp stains around edges, some foxing and white mould).

With the establishment of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands under William I, there was a strong need for a new royal palace in Brussels that would reflet the newly gained grandor. In 1815 the architect Ghislain-Joseph Henry (1754-1820) started with the design for the prestigious project which involved a new neo-classic facade with a peristyle in the middle, and a balcony with a Corinthian colonnade surrounding the entire first floor. Due to Henry's death in 1820, the building project was continued by Charles Vander Straeten and Tieleman Franciscus Suys. This set of three original architectural drawings consists of an elevation of the front, an elevation of the side and a ground plan with the inclusion of the parc (Warande) and surrounding streets. Both elevation drawings are provided with an official stamp, dated 1.09.1817, and also have handwritten date of submission (24.06.1817). The ground plan is signed for approval by four different hands, including the signature of Henry. All are titled in a calligraphic hand "Palais pour sa Majesté à Bruxelles".