Description
Samuel Prout developed a reputation for depicting detailed topographical studies, particularly of continental architectural views and he travelled widely throughout Europe in order to find suitable subject matter. He visited Prague in 1829, the year he was appointed Painter in Ordinary in Watercolours to George IV.
The present drawing appears to depict the Church of the Virgin Mary and Saint Charlemagne, built on Mount Charles, the highest point in the new town of Prague. In September 1350, Charles IV personally laid the foundation stone for the church which took 27 years to build.
This trip proved hugely successful and as a result, he produced a series of lithographs entitled, Facsimile of Sketches made in Flanders and Germany, published in 1833, which included five views of Prague. Treatises and books on travel, became hugely popular in the 19th century, and Prout’s publication was in the vanguard of these. It proved influential on many of Prout’s contemporaries, including Thomas Shotter Boys, David Roberts and John Ruskin, who was directly inspired to undertake his first visit to Europe.
Prout made numerous, detailed on-the-spot pencil drawings, such as the present work, which served as the basis for the highly finished watercolours, executed in his studio on his return.
Inscription
Inscribed lower right: Prague/St Charles
Descriptive Medium
Pencil and stump heightened with white
Image Licence
All Rights Reserved
Image Credit
image © Guy Peppiatt Fine Art
Location
The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. Charles the Great, Prague, Czechia
Country
Czechia
Tags
Category
Buildings & Architecture
