Canaletto 1697-1768

The Grand Walk, Vauxhall Gardens

Details

Artist

Canaletto 1697-1768

Title

The Grand Walk, Vauxhall Gardens

Date

About 1751

Medium

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

70 x 96cm

Reference

CVCSC:0355.S

Collection

British Portraits

Status

On Display

In 1746, Venetian painter, etcher and draughtsman Canaletto moved to Britain, hoping to secure patronage from many of those who had been on the Grand Tour and for whom he had worked in Italy. Vauxhall Gardens was one of the most fashionable venues for public entertainment in London. Located in Kennington on the south bank of the River Thames and known as New Spring Gardens until 1785, Vauxhall Gardens became a venue for musical performances, including George Frederick Handel’s 'Music for the Royal Fireworks' in 1749, which attracted an audience of over 12,000.

Canaletto The Grand Walk, Vauxhall Gardens About 1751 © Compton Verney