One of the best things about art is there is so much to inspire artists. Buildings have been a major source of inspiration for millennia. We want to have a closer look at this today to explore why. Then, if you want art featuring buildings, we have plenty to offer at Charter Prints. This includes beautiful etchings by Margaret Aulton.
Origins
Today if we’re visiting somewhere new and want to capture a memory, we simply take a picture. However, before the 19th century, that wasn’t possible. So, what did people do? They bought art or made their own sketches, drawings, etchings, or paintings. Significant buildings and street scenes became very popular.
Earlier artists from the 17th and 18th centuries focused on realism, especially with buildings. Notable names like Vermeer and Canaletto were popular because of the amazing detail. Their work could effective capture the true sense of place.
The Grand Tour was a really big influence on the art scene at the time, especially in Britain. It was a rite of passage for young aristocratic men. They would enjoy extended tours of Europe and beyond, taking in iconic cities like Paris, Rome, and Venice. During the trips, many would buy art as souvenirs of the sights they had seen. Although her work is later, etchings by Margaret Aulton would have fit right in here.
Ruin
In the late 18th century and early 19th, Romanticism became incredibly popular. It had an interesting impact on the art world. One thing that became trendy was scenes celebrating ruins. Ruined abbeys and castles were a massive inspiration for many artists of the day.
Industrialisation
Later in the 19th century, artists began celebrating industrial landscapes. Railways, factories, power stations, and other signs of industrialisation were very noteworthy. Impressionism was a wonderful movement here, capturing moments and the impression of scenes in vibrant colour. Industrial elements are prominent in many pieces, including by celebrated names like LS Lowry and Monet.
Evolution
In the 20th century, many artists began focusing on capturing the evolution of streetscapes. It was especially popular in Britain after WWII. They would celebrate how areas changed, looking at the decline and decay of buildings, renovations, and new developments. Then more recently, we got art celebrating newer developments such as skyscrapers.
Browse works by Margaret Aulton
Charter Prints has a magnificent selection of works from various artists. The majority is fine original prints, with some watercolours and sketches too. Lots of the pieces feature buildings in one form or another, either capturing a moment in time or scene, or prompting thought and an exploration of the meaning.
We recommend you have a look at the stunning works here. The etchings by Margaret Aulton are noteworthy for their detail. Then, if you want to purchase any pieces, you can contact us.