William Callow

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William Callow

1812-1908

The Garden at Versailles with the Fishing Temple (Petit Hameau de la Reine, Versailles)

1837

Watercolor, with gouache on paper.

7 13/16 x 11 1/4 inches (198 x 286 mm)

Purchased on the Sunny Crawford von Bulow Fund 1978.

2007.82

Notes:

The highpoint of Callow's long career as a watercolorist was during the 1830s, when he shared a studio in Paris with Thomas Shotter Boys and felt the influence of Richard Parkes Bonnington. During this time he obtained permission to visit the private gardens at Versailles to produce a series of illustrations to London publisher Charles Heath's Picturesque Annual for 1839-Versailles. The lively Bassin de Neptune (2007.83) features a fountain designed by Andre le Nôtre in 1678-82 with a sculptural group of Neptune and Amphitrite executed in 1740 by Lambert-Sigisbert Adam. The more contemplative Petit Hameau records Marie Antoinette's private rustic retreat constructed in 1783.

Inscription:

Signed and dated lower right, "1837".

Provenance:

The Fine Art Society; private collection, U.K.; acquired from Andrew Clayton Payne, Ltd., London.

Associated names:

Clayton-Payne, Andrew, former owner.

Bibliography:

Reynolds, J. William Callow. London, 1980, p. 66, pl. 19.

Catalog link:

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Artist page:

Callow, William