Josef van Aken, who painted this, was born at Antwerp, and passed much of his life in England. He was much employed by eminent landscape artists to paint the costumes of the figures in their pictures, in which he is said to have been very skilful. He died in London.
By Josef van Aken (1709-1749). Lent by the Bank of England.
94 [RIVER VIEW FROM GARDEN OF OLD SOMERSET HOUSE.] Plate XLI.
Oil picture. 35½ by 23½ in.
In foreground to left part of the garden with trees and figures. The stone gateway with landing-stage, known as Somerset Stairs, is prominent. Besides St. Paul’s Cathedral and many church steeples, part of old London Bridge appears, houses still on it. This view should be compared with [No. 86], as the subjects are much alike, though here there is a stronger effect. Like [No. 69], this picture was ascribed to Scott, but after our plate had been printed, an engraving of it by E. Rooker, 1750, was found, with on it the words “Canaletti pinxt”; the attribution is therefore here changed.
By Canaletto (1697-1768). Lent by Mr. F. A. White.
95 [OLD WESTMINSTER BRIDGE.] Plate XLII.
Oil picture. 59 by 37 in.
This picture is specially interesting as a pendant to [No. 91]. It shows a similar view, but is painted from a point much higher up the river, and is more modern by eighty or ninety years. Observe the men fishing with nets, probably for salmon. As we have mentioned, when describing [No. 4], Westminster Bridge was opened in 1750. It was the second stone bridge built over the Thames at London.
The present bridge dates from 1862.