St Paul’s Cathedral from St Martin’s-le-Grand – Thomas Girtin Art Print

St Paul’s Cathedral from St Martin’s-le-Grand by Thomas Girtin

Made in 1795–96, this London view shows the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral rising above St Martin’s-le-Grand. Carts, horses, a street sweeper, a dog, a lamplighter and pedestrians animate the foreground. The street moves from deep shadow at left to red-brick façades glowing in the late-afternoon light at right.

A view connected to the artist’s neighbourhood

The Metropolitan Museum of Art states that Thomas Girtin worked in the street where he lived. He first established the perspective lines in graphite, then added grey-wash shadows, layers of colour, figures and details. This combination of topographical observation and urban activity defines the London watercolour.

Artwork details

• Title : St. Paul’s Cathedral, from St. Martin’s-le-Grand
• Artist : Thomas Girtin (British, 1775–1802)
• Date : 1795–96
• Medium : watercolour, pen and black ink, over graphite
• Dimensions : 48.8 × 37.8 cm
• Collection : The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
• Object number : 2002.435

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