Detail from Alfred Stevens Model

This model dome was created by Alfred Stevens, and was worked on by Stevens from 1862 till his death in 1875. The model is primarily made up of wood, plaster and canvas. It is decorated with several panels. The panels have been marouflaged onto wood with a gilded background. The panels depict scenes from the Bible. What you can see are Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden and Moses with the Brazen Serpent. Additionally one can also see in the spandrels of the model, the Prophets Daniel, Jeremiah, Isaiah and, Joel. Below the Prophets are in fact scenes of the Apocalypse. The dome was originally supposed to stand on some model arches, and thus meaning that the viewer would be able to stand underneath the dome and walk under it, much like Wren’s great model.