John Tinney [&] Nathaniel Parr after Jacques Rigaud

French Formal Gardens

1. A Perspective view of the Cascade of St. Cloud
2. A view of the Cascade of Seaux
3. View of the Flower Garden & part of the Palace of Fountainbleau
4. A view of the Palace of Seaux from the top of Diana's Walk

22 x 13.5 inches

A very decorative set of four perspective views engraved on copper by Tinney and Parr after the drawings of Jacques Rigaud and published in London circa 1780.

These panoramic views are elongated in size and offer us a sweeping view of the French formal garden at the peak of its popularity. Each scene shows ambitious planting schemes set alongside extensive topiary, ornate water features and broad parterres. Fashionably dressed crowds add to the festival feel with the costumes deliberately picked out in vibrant primary colours that offer a strong contrast with the foliage beyond. Although these particular etchings were published in London in the latter half of the C18th, Rigaud (1681-1754) originally completed his drawings in the earlier part of the century. He was an artist of extraordinary ability and perhaps his most famous accomplishment was the series of 138 drawings of the Maisons Royales de France. He travelled to London in the 1730s and illustrated many of the royal parks including St. James's and Hampton Court. The English aristocracy were equally impressed with his work and he gained many commissions to record their gardens and estates.