The West Front of Cliefden House...

From Colen Campbell's "Vitruvius Britannicus, or the British Architect" Vitruvius Britannicus is one of the great eighteenth-century English architectural works. It illustrates, in a way, the social revolution that occured in the first half of the 18th century under the governance of Robert Walpole. Noble country estates as grand as any in continental Europe appeared throughout the land. These are buildings of Classical formality and grandeur, implying familial and imperial permanence, vast, symmetrical palaces that preside over their surroundings. Colen Campbell (1676-1729) was a descendant of the Campbells of Cawdor Castle in Scotland. As an architect, he favored the Palladian style and, through his own designs and withVitruvius Britannicus , helped establish it as the dominant style in great buildings, both public and private, in England. Cliefden House near Maidenhead was at one time a residence of Frederick, Prince of Wales, son of George II, but outlived by his father. The building burnt down in 1795.

Very good condition; some slight foxing and crease along the centre fold. Framed size: 71 x 49cm