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拍品专文
Edward Pritchett's view of Trafalgar Square can be understood and dated with reference to the plans of William Wilkins, the architect of the National Gallery, which was erected 1832-38. Wilkins had proposed his vision for the square in 1837, elegantly levelled, and with a terrace to support the road fronting the gallery and a naval monument in the centre. This painting presented the Victorian public with an elegant view which acquired complexity before its actual completion. Wilkins died in 1835 and Charles Barry took over the layout of his plans, retaining the basics but adding statues and two fountains. The naval monument was never built, instead the site eventually boasted Nelson's column (designed and erected between 1839 and 1842).
We can identify Pritchett's source: a prospective drawing executed by Thomas Allom which was engraved by Sands and used a headpiece for the Stationers Company Almanack - a publication which proudly showcased new ventures. Allom presumably was in correspondence with Wilkins, and obtained premission to use his plans, just as T.H.Shepherd had William Tite's before rendering his view of the new Royal Exchange for the Almanack. Allom's drawing is similar in composition and its urban geography can guide us through Pritchett's work.
The National Gallery stretches north of the square - its plain front inspired criticism but, as the home for both the national collection and re-housed Royal Academy, its impressive scale dominates our perspective. To the east is the church of St-Martin-in-the-Fields, and also Morley's Hotel: built in 1830, it became South Africa House in 1921. To the left of the picture is the Union Clubhouse, designed by Sir Robert Smirke.
We can identify Pritchett's source: a prospective drawing executed by Thomas Allom which was engraved by Sands and used a headpiece for the Stationers Company Almanack - a publication which proudly showcased new ventures. Allom presumably was in correspondence with Wilkins, and obtained premission to use his plans, just as T.H.Shepherd had William Tite's before rendering his view of the new Royal Exchange for the Almanack. Allom's drawing is similar in composition and its urban geography can guide us through Pritchett's work.
The National Gallery stretches north of the square - its plain front inspired criticism but, as the home for both the national collection and re-housed Royal Academy, its impressive scale dominates our perspective. To the east is the church of St-Martin-in-the-Fields, and also Morley's Hotel: built in 1830, it became South Africa House in 1921. To the left of the picture is the Union Clubhouse, designed by Sir Robert Smirke.