A Georgian view of Grosvenor Square

A view of Grosvenor Square, one of the great residential squares of London, enlivened by a group of street musicians. To the left a six-horse coach waits outside the Earl's own house. At the time of publication the American ambassador had already taken up residence in the square: John Adams, the first U.S. ambassador and second president, lived at No. 9 between 1786 and 1797. Edward Dayes (1763-1804) was one of the leading topographical artists of the late eighteenth century. This was one of a series of four views of the great London squares, the others being Bloomsbury Square, Hanover Square and Queen Square. This aquatint was engraved and published by Robert Pollard and Francis Jukes. The original drawing mentioned in the title is now in the British Museum.