This is the only known view of the house between the completion of the Library and Great Parlour in 1754 and the addition of the Long Gallery in 1761. Johann Müntz, an itinerant Swiss artist, was employed by Walpole from 1755 to 1759 when Bentley recommended that he replace him in creating designs for the press. On 5 July 1755 Walpole reported to Bentley, "He is very modest . . . and has seen so much, and knows so much of countries and languages that I am not likely to be soon tired of him." Walpole's patronage established Müntz's reputation as an artist.