1749 (ca.), Canaletto, London: The Old Horse Guards from St James's Park -- Tate Britain (London)
From the museum label: Horse Guards, the building with the clocktower in the centre, was the headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief of the army. It housed horse guards and foot guards. It was replaced in the 1750s with the white stone building that stands today. Canaletto arrived in London in 1746. A successful artist, he would usually paint to commission. However, this work was produced speculatively, possibly in the hope of selling it to a wealthy resident of Downing Street (seen on the right). Canaletto invited prospective buyers to view the painting at his Soho lodgings.
1749 (ca.), Canaletto, London: The Old Horse Guards from St James's Park -- Tate Britain (London)
From the museum label: Horse Guards, the building with the clocktower in the centre, was the headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief of the army. It housed horse guards and foot guards. It was replaced in the 1750s with the white stone building that stands today. Canaletto arrived in London in 1746. A successful artist, he would usually paint to commission. However, this work was produced speculatively, possibly in the hope of selling it to a wealthy resident of Downing Street (seen on the right). Canaletto invited prospective buyers to view the painting at his Soho lodgings.