This print relates to the magnificent show of fireworks held on 27 April 1749 in London’s Green Park. The display was organised to celebrate the end of the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748) and the signing of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, which was negotiated largely by Britain and France. In addition to settling territorial disputes, the Treaty also confirmed the right of succession of the house of Hanover in Britain; its fragility was made clear in under a decade, however, with the outbreak of the Seven Years War. The royal fireworks of 27 April 1749 were directed by Italian pyrotechnical specialists, and were accompanied by music composed for the occasion and conducted by George Frederick Handel (1685–1759). This event and the rehearsal at Vauxhall on 21 April provided Handel with a large audience for his music.
