John Donowell.

A view of the garden of the Earl of Burlington, at Chiswick; taken from the Top of the Flight of Steps leading to ye Grand Gallery in ye Back Front.

16 x 10.5 inches

An etching in original colour (by an anonymous engraver) after the drawings of John Donowell, published in London in 1753.

It is hard not to be envious of the lifestyle pertaining to Richard Boyle, the 3rd Earl of Burlington (1694-1753). Not only did he possess a stonking pile on Piccadilly, given the eponymous name of Burlington House, but he was also able to indulge his architectural fantasies by building a beautiful Palladian villa six miles to the east of the city at Chiswick. To add to our envy, like so many privileged men of his generation, he was able to partake in the Grand Tour across Europe between 1714 and 1725 where he became influenced by the classical designs of the Italian architect, Andrea Palladio. Using Palladian principles, he constructed an exquisite villa at Chiswick complete with magnificent gardens. This fascinating view is taken from the balcony to the rear of the house. An elegant balustrade and steps lead onto an immaculate lawn surrounded by classical urns, statues and topiary. With the assistance of the architect, artist and landscape designer, William Kent, Burlington had succeeded in bringing a corner of Tuscany to west London and many came to marvel at his achievement.

£525