View of Castel Gandolfo

c. 1870s

Myles Birket Foster

(British, 1825–1899)

Culture

England, 19th century

Medium

watercolor

Measurements

Sheet: 16.5 x 23.8 cm (6 1/2 x 9 3/8 in.)

Credit Line

In memory of Ralph King, gift of Mrs. Ralph King; Ralph T. Woods, Charles G. King; and Frances King Schafer 1946.285

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Location

Not on view

Description

In his watercolors, Foster depicted an idealized life in rural England. His work was appreciated as Pre-Raphaelite in its intricate detail, but was without the harsh color and unorthodox subjects that made the brotherhood controversial. Foster’s watercolors proved enormously appealing to the Victorians; each new work was eagerly anticipated, and color lithographs after his watercolors helped popularize his imagery. While the English countryside was the inspiration for much of his work, he traveled abroad regularly, and made several trips to Italy in the 1870s. A view of peasants picnicking at the gates of Castel Gandolfo overlooking Lake Albano is the subject of this watercolor.