Artwork
The Garden at Strawberry Hill
The Garden at Strawberry Hill is a watercolor work on paper by the Rococo painting artist William Pars. It dates from 1772 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Garden at Strawberry Hill is a 1772 watercolour painting by William Pars, depicting the north façade of Strawberry Hill House from the perspective of its flower garden.
Subject & Meaning
The painting captures a serene scene of the house's garden, with lush foliage, winding paths, and a solitary figure approaching the house, conveying a sense of peaceful domesticity.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the work features loose, expressive brushstrokes and a muted colour palette dominated by greens and browns, creating a soft, dreamy atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Commissioned by Horace Walpole, the painting remained in his collection before passing to Lord O'Hagan and later being sold at Christie's auction house in 1985.
Context
The painting reflects the aesthetic sensibilities of its time, aligning with the burgeoning Romantic movement's emphasis on emotion, imagination, and the beauty of natural settings.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
William Pars (28 February 1742 – 1782) was an English watercolour portrait and landscape painter, draughtsman, and illustrator.
