Highlights of the month

San Anton Gardens

Author
Edward Lear (British, 1812-1888)
Date
7th January 1866
Material
Watercolour on paper
Size
39 x 52 cm
Location
Reserve Collection
On 7th January 1866 at 5 p.m., Edward Lear was walking in the countryside on the outskirts of Ħ’Attard and captured the beauty of San Anton Gardens in this quickly rendered watercolour. We know these details because he recorded them on the drawing. The warm colours and waning light of the setting sun on this winter evening are captured marvelously. You can almost hear and feel the breeze blowing through the high trees of the garden. Nowadays, San Anton Gardens are surrounded by residential buildings, which makes us appreciate this beautiful unobstructed countryside view even more.