Oil picture. A circle, 21 in. in diameter.
An interesting example of Gainsborough’s early work. It is astonishing
that when he presented it (in the year of his marriage) he was only
nineteen, but the authorities of the Foundling Hospital have no
doubt that it was given by him in 1746. The scene depicted at the
Charterhouse is the “Terrace,” a paved walk resting on the arcade
built with it by the Duke of Norfolk, 1565-1571, as a double ambulatory
to his tennis court. The terrace overlooks (to spectator’s left) the
site of the great cloister of the ancient monastery, afterwards the
Duke’s garden, then the “Upper Green” or match-ground of the school,
and now the Merchant Taylors’ playground. The tower with light shining
on it is the chapel tower.
By T. GAINSBOROUGH, R.A., 1746 (1727-1788).
_Lent by the Foundling Hospital._