- Points of view on the landscape
We can study how the analogy of the 'theatre' was used to mediate the experience of the landscape in descriptions of landscape gardens.
A famous landscape garden was Stowe in Buckinghamshire.
It was described in a dialogue published in 1749, which is found on the second website ('Poetry and Prose' section). Some parts of the landscape are compared to a 'theatre' (see the 'Stowe' extract opposite).
In a view of a landscape with one side inspired by 'art' and the other by 'nature' - the usual opposites-, the prospect corresponding to 'art' is described as an 'opening' which suggests a framed view in one direction (as in the Italianate theatre), whereas the opposite view takes 'theatre' is the sense of a semi-circle, more like the ancient theatres. This shows that the model of the 'theatre' may evoke both the Renaissance theatre (previous lesson) and the later circular view (subsequent lessons).
[William Gilpin], A Dialogue upon the Gardens at Stowe (1749).
The Rotunda: I do not know of any Piece of Stonework in the whole Garden that shews itself to more advantage than this does, or makes a more beautiful Figure in a Variety of fine Views from several Parts of the Garden: Several Parts of the Garden likewise return the Compliment, by offering a great many very elegant Prospects to it. There you have an Opening laid out with all the Decorations of Art; a spacious Theatre; the Area floated by a Canal,
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---- Observe how this View is beautifully contrasted by one on the opposite Side of a different kind; in which we are almost solely obliged to Nature. You must know I look upon this as a very noble Prospect! The Field is formed by that Semi-circle of Trees into a very grand Theatre. The Point of Sight is centred in a beautiful manner by the Pyramid, which appears to great Advantage amongst those venerable Oaks: Two or three other Buildings, half hid amongst the Trees, come in for their Share in the Prospect, and add much to the Beauty of it.
- Townscapes and stage sets
Views of cities presented them like theatre settings, with a main vista.
