Lot 131: Albert Ludovici, Sen. R.B.A. (1820-1894)

The-Four-in-Hand, Hyde Park
signed 'Ludovici' (lower left)
oil on canvas
40 1/2 x 57 3/4 in. (102.8 x146.7 cm.)

Anonymous sale; Christie's, London, 26 November 1999, lot 86.

Throughout the 19th Century, the phemomenon of London society was most frequently depicted though images of 'the pursuit of pleasure'. London provided an array of settings where the fashionable could be portrayed, the most popular being the semi-private arena of the royal parks. These were originally royal hunting grounds and their proximity to the royal palaces meant that they provided an ideal retreat from the formalities of court. Throughout the Victorian period artists were drawn to Hyde Park and particularly to Rotten Row, which was synonymous with the beau-monde until World War II. The present image shows Hamilton Place, a sort cul-de-sac leading out of Piccadilly towards the southern end of Hyde Park. It was named after James Hamilton who was the Ranger of Hyde Park under King Charles II.

During the 19th Century, the more wealthy Londoners continued to maintain their own private carriages, coach horses and stables, while those less affluent kept their carriages at the local livery stables; those who could not afford carriages hired them from the same source. The four-in-hand was one of the largest and most elaborate horse-drawn carriages of the time, requiring immense skill from the driver. It afforded a very public display of wealth and sophistication.

Albert Ludovici Sen. exhibited extensively at the Royal Academy, Royal Society of British Artists and British Institution. He was the father of Albert Ludovici Jun., and like his son lived predominantly in Paris. His pictures of London certainly convey the spirit of sophisticated boulevard life, and stylistically reflect the plein-air techniques employed by his French contemporaries.

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.