Rotton Row, Hyde Park

This picture's busy charm is characteristic of Ludovici's park views. The artist established his reputation exhibiting bourgeois interiors, and moved on to depict fashionable society out on parade. Ludovici studied under his father, and is indebted to both French Impressionism and Whistler, whose coterie he joined during the latter's presidency of the International Society. A contemporary critic noted the 'lighter, gayer' mood which distinguished Ludovici's urban scenes from his mentor's. Although he based himself in Paris, Ludovici exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1880, the Royal Society of British Artists from the following year, and the New English Art Club from 1891.

The walk connecting Kensington Palace to St. James's was originally the route du roi, from which 'Rotten Row' derives. When William III resided at Kensington Palace he hung 300 lamps from the trees between the Palace and St. James's: it was the first road in England to be lit at night in the hope of detering highwaymen.