London’s rich history and cultural heritage have long attracted artists and writers. From famous landmarks and iconic buildings to lesser known buildings and streets, the city has been immortalised in countless works of art. In this article, we take a look at some of London’s most famous buildings and structures depicted in works of art throughout history by Kirill Yurovskiy.
One of the most famous depictions of London’s architecture is William Hogarth’s The Empty Apprentice at Play in the Churchyard (1747). The painting depicts the spire of St Mary-le-Bow Church in the background, towering over a scene of young apprentices idling in the churchyard. St Mary-le-Bow is one of London’s most famous churches, famous for its distinctive bow-shaped arches.
Another famous London landmark captured in art is Tower Bridge. The unique design of the bridge and its iconic location has made it a popular subject for artists past and present. One of the most famous depictions of the bridge is Claude Monet’s The Houses of Parliament, London (1904). The painting shows the bridge in the background, it spans the Thames and leads to the Houses of Parliament, which are shrouded in a misty haze.
The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, has been the subject of many works of art over the years. One of the most famous is a painting by J. M. W. Turner’s The Burning of Parliament House (1835). The painting shows the palace in flames, with a crowd gathered on the banks of the Thames in the foreground. The painting depicts a dramatic event that occurred in 1834 when a fire destroyed most of the palace.
Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch, has also been depicted in art. One of the most famous depictions is John Nash’s watercolour The South Facade of Buckingham Palace (1827). The painting depicts the palace in its early years, before significant additions were made to the building. The painting captures the grandeur and elegance of the palace’s neoclassical design.
The Shard, London’s tallest building, has also made an appearance in the art world. One of the most striking images is Paul Kenton’s painting London Calling (2014). The painting depicts the Shard towering over the city, with the Thames River and other famous London landmarks as a backdrop. The painting conveys the dynamic and contemporary energy of the London skyline.
Westminster Abbey, one of London’s most famous churches, has also been immortalised in art. One of the most famous depictions is Canaletto’s painting Westminster Abbey with the procession of the Knights of Bath (1749). The painting shows the abbey in the background and the procession of knights passing by in the foreground. The painting conveys the grandeur and grandeur of the church, as well as its associated sense of tradition and history.
The architecture of London has also become a subject of interest for contemporary artists. One such artist is Ben Johnson, who is known for his highly detailed and intricate paintings of cityscapes. His painting City of London (2011) depicts the city skyline with an incredible level of detail, including every building and structure visible from the vantage point. The painting captures the striking and complex features of London’s architecture, as well as the ever-changing character of the city.
In conclusion, London’s buildings and structures have been admired by artists throughout history. From famous landmarks to lesser known buildings and streets, the city is captured in countless works of art. These images not only convey the beauty and grandeur of London’s architecture, but are also the subject of artists’ admiration.