Square in Aix-en-Provence n.d.

Samuel Prout made this drawing of the Square in Aix-en-Provence using graphite and white gouache on paper. Prout was an English painter, and this image invites consideration of the Grand Tour and the picturesque tradition of British art. The drawing depicts a bustling public square in the south of France. Prout was known for his architectural scenes, and here, we see the column and clock tower rendered with close attention to detail. The artist's delicate strokes capture the liveliness of the square with its figures, and the image reflects the charm of a bygone era. The image is fascinating, and there are many research resources that could help us understand it better. We might look at Prout’s biography, or, more generally, the relationship between British artists and continental Europe during the 19th century. By exploring these resources, we can begin to appreciate how social and institutional contexts shape the creation and interpretation of art.