Artwork
The Exterior of Drury Lane Theatre
The Exterior of Drury Lane Theatre is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist Robert Blemmell Schnebbelie. It dates from 1821 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
The place buzzed for two Mondays that June, marking the Battle of Waterloo and cheering the king’s soon-to-be coronation.
Robert Blemmell Schnebbelie painted this watercolour in 1821. It shows a big night at Drury Lane Theatre in London. The place buzzed for two Mondays that June, marking the Battle of Waterloo and cheering the king’s soon-to-be coronation.
Four hours of plays, music, masks, food and dancing filled the theatre. The picture catches the glitter and excitement in the air.
Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum next if you want to see more of these lively scenes.
Overview
This 1821 watercolour by Robert Blemmell Schnebbelie depicts a vibrant night at London's Drury Lane Theatre, capturing the atmosphere of a significant celebratory event.
Subject & Meaning
The painting commemorates two concurrent occasions: the sixth anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo (1815) and the impending coronation of King George IV. The festivities, held over two Mondays (18 and 25 June 1821), featured a four-hour entertainment program including theatrical performances, music, a masquerade, refreshments, and a ball.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the work conveys the 'glamour' and 'excitement' of the evening through the artist's handling of light, colour, and composition, though specific stylistic traits are not detailed here.
History & Provenance
Painted in 1821 by Robert Blemmell Schnebbelie, the watercolour's current location or ownership is not specified here, though a reference suggests the Victoria and Albert Museum as a point of interest for similar works.
Context
The artwork reflects the cultural and national mood of early 19th-century London, celebrating both a pivotal military victory and a monarchical milestone, highlighting the theatre as a hub for communal celebration.
Legacy
While the work's direct influence or renown is not outlined, it serves as a historical document of London's social and cultural life during the period, preserving a moment in the history of Drury Lane Theatre.
Artist & collection
Artist
Robert Blemmell Schnebbelie was an English painter and illustrator. He produced numerous paintings and drawings of London's topography during the first half of the 19th century. He was born in Canterbury in 1781 as the…
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