The painting “Northumberland House” by Canaletto is a beautiful depiction of the now-demolished Northumberland House in London. The house was owned by the Percy family, and the painting shows it with two domed towers, while the Strand is visible in the mid-distance and Le Sueur’s equestrian statue of Charles I on the right. The painting was created in 1752 by Canaletto, and it was later engraved by Thomas Bowles.
The house was named after one of England’s richest aristocratic dynasties, the Earls and Dukes of Northumberland. It served as their townhouse for many years until it was demolished in 1874 to make way for Northumberland Avenue. The painting itself is an oil on canvas piece that measures 84 x 137 cm and is part of a private collection.
One interesting fact about this painting is that an albumen silver print version of it was created in 1858 by Caldesi & Montecchi. This version serves as a testament to how popular this painting became over time. Its beauty lies not only in its historical significance but also in its artistry as Canaletto captures every intricate detail with masterful precision. Overall, “Northumberland House” stands not only as a valuable piece of historical artwork but also as an enduring tribute to one of London’s most illustrious noble families.
