WILLIAM ORAM (BRITISH, C.1730-1777)
Figures in a Capriccio Italianate Landscape
signed and dated, 'W. Oram, 56' (lower left)
oil on canvas
63 x 143 cm. (24 3/4 x 41 in.)

Provenance
Private Collection, London

William Oram was originally educated as an architect, with a highlight in his career being the design for the triumphal arch for the coronation of George III of Great Britain. Oram can also be recognised for his work on the grand staircases at Hampton Court and at Buckingham House, which he designed and painted.The present example depicts an Arcadian landscape with a large arch inscribed S.P.Q.R, meaning Senatus Populusque Romanus, an emblem relating to the government of the Roman Republic.

Oram's work was influenced by Claude Lorrain (c. 1600-1682) and Nicolas Poussin (1594- 1665) who similarly depicted such Arcardian landscapes.