Aerial view of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. The drawing is in portrait format. It is framed in ink. Traces of watercolor and inscriptions are visible in the margins.
The temple stands in the center of a courtyard. Liturgical furnishings are set out in front of it: the altar of burnt offering stands in the axis of the temple, elevated on several tiers; a large basin, known as the “brazen sea”, is to the left, used for the priests’ ablutions; ten basins on wheels, arranged along the length of the edifice, are intended for the ablutions of sacrificial animals. The temple stands on a podium accessible by stairs. The entrance door is flanked by two columns with capitals adorned with baskets and volutes. It leads to a vestibule which first serves the sanctuary. Several menorahs, a golden table and a perfume altar are arranged in the room. The Holy of Holies opens through a monumental door. This last room, entirely covered in gold, houses the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark is accompanied by two winged sphinxes. The roof of the building is adorned with scalloped merlons.