Who painted Lake Albano?

Lake Albano was painted by Richard Wilson in 1762.

Where can I see Lake Albano?

Lake Albano is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Lake Albano?

Lake Albano is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Lake Albano?

Museum-quality prints of Lake Albano are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Lake Albano

Richard Wilson , 1762

Lake Albano is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Richard Wilson. It dates from 1762 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower center in reverse monogram: WR. 1762

About this work

Subject & Meaning

It is classified as a landscape and was created as a representation of this specific Italian scenery, reflecting the artist's interest in classical settings.

The work is a 1762 oil on canvas painting by Richard Wilson that depicts Lake Albano, a real lake near Rome. It is classified as a landscape and was created as a representation of this specific Italian scenery, reflecting the artist's interest in classical settings. The painting entered the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., where it remains on display.

Its subject is thus the literal depiction of Lake Albano, serving as a visual record of the landscape that Wilson chose to immortalize.

Technique & Style

Wilson's Lake Albano is an oil on canvas executed in 1762, measuring 121.9 by 170.4 cm. The handling reflects the artist's mature topographical manner: broad, luminous passages of sky are set against tightly controlled foliage and architectural accents, creating a measured recession into space. The composition balances classical restraint with atmospheric effect, using a subdued palette of greens, ochres, and silvery blues to evoke the volcanic landscape.

History & Provenance

Richard Wilson executed Lake Albano in 1762. The work's early ownership is uncertain, though it may have been held by Walter Spencer-Stanhope of Horsforth and Cannon Hall, Barnsley, Yorkshire, who died in 1822, and later passed to Simon Spencer-Stanhope. The painting was offered at the Banks Hall sale in Barnsley on 16 September 1965, handled by Henry Spencer and Sons, and subsequently acquired by the London dealer Thos.

Agnew & Sons. In June 1966, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon of Upperville, Virginia, purchased the work from Agnew's. In 1983, the Mellons gifted it to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., where it is currently held.

Overview

Lake Albano, an oil on canvas created by Richard Wilson in 1762, presents a serene landscape of the Italian lake. This painting exemplifies Wilson's significant contribution to British landscape art, showcasing his ability to capture the tranquil beauty of natural settings. The work reflects the artistic trends of its era while also anticipating future developments in the genre.

Context

Richard Wilson is considered a pioneer of British landscape painting, bridging classical influences with a burgeoning interest in natural observation. "Lake Albano" embodies an early Romantic sensibility by elevating the natural world as a subject worthy of contemplation and emotional resonance. His work helped establish landscape as a respected genre, laying groundwork for subsequent generations of artists who would explore nature with increasing depth and personal expression.