Artwork
London: the Old Horse Guards from St James's Park
London: the Old Horse Guards from St James's Park is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Canaletto. It dates from 1749 and is held in the collection of the Tate.
About this work
This painting is a landscape by Canaletto. It's from 1749.
The painting shows a view of the Horse Guards building in London from St James's Park. This building was due to be replaced at the time the painting was made.
The painting is held at Tate Britain, where you can learn more about the artist and his work, like Canaletto.
Overview
London: the Old Horse Guards from St James's Park is a 1749 oil painting by Canaletto, depicting a view of the Horse Guards building from St James's Park.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows the Horse Guards building, then the British Army's headquarters, shortly before its replacement. It also captures a broader view of Whitehall, including the rear of Downing Street, in the mid-18th century.
History & Provenance
The Horse Guards building, constructed during Charles II's reign, was slated for demolition when Canaletto painted it. It was eventually replaced by a larger structure designed by William Kent.
Context
The painting is now held at Tate Britain, which provides additional information about Canaletto and his work.
Artist & collection
Artist
Giovanni Antonio Canal (18 October 1697 – 19 April 1768), commonly known as Canaletto (Italian: ), was an Italian painter from the Republic of Venice, considered an important member of the 18th-century Venetian school.
The Old Palace of Brussels
View over the Giudecca Canal to the northwest with the Zattere
The View of the Embankment of Vasilyevsky Island near the Academy of Arts
Ballinrobe House
View of the Seine at Nogent-sur-Seine
A View of Place Louis XV
Bleachfields near Haarlem
View of Salee, Morocco
The Thames at Lambeth
Landscape
View on the Amstel Looking towards Amsterdam
London: the New Horse Guards from St James's Park