The Lower Ward seen from the base of the Round Tower c. 1760
Pencil, pen and ink and watercolour | 28.1 x 60.9 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 914559
-
A watercolour drawing showing a panoramic view of the Lower Ward, looking West from the base of the Round Tower. On the far left, the stark face of the low wall surrounding the Round Tower acts as a framing device. Below, at the centre and far right are the Henry III and Winchester Towers, with St George's Chapel between them. In front of the chapel is the Guard Room. In the distance, a view across the town of Windsor to the hills beyond. Various groups and figures and carriages are strolling in the Lower Ward. The sheet of paper is circumscribed with a black ink line, and mounted on a black and gold ink line bordered mount with a blue coloured pasted paper central section, one of three such surviving mounts associated with works from the collection of Sir Joseph Banks (one other is now lost but was on RCIN 914576; the other is on RCIN 914575). Inscribed on the back of the mount, possibly in the artist's hand, 'Windsor. A General View Westward from the base of the curtain of the Round Tower'. In microscopic letters above the door of the Guard Room on the right, 'Coffie and Tea'. It has been suggested that this drawing was a collaboration between Paul Sandby and his brother Thomas, who is known for his panoramic views. Sandby produced several watercolours of Windsor in this format (RCINs 914576, 914575, 914583, 914582). This watercolour was the most expensive royal purchase at the Banks sale. The brick Guard Room at the centre right was built in the seventeenth century; on the ground floor there was a public house called The Royal Standard. This building was removed under the remodelling of Sir Jeffrey Wyatville, and further alterations were made to the Lower Ward in the reign of Queen Victoria.
Provenance
Sir Joseph Banks; Sir Wyndham Knatchbull (sale, Christie's 23 May 1876, lot 45); purchased (30 gns.) by Richard Holmes as Royal Librarian
-
Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
-
Medium and techniques
Pencil, pen and ink and watercolour
Measurements
28.1 x 60.9 cm (sheet of paper)
31.6 x 64.4 cm (mount)
Object type(s)
Other number(s)
RL 14559Alternative title(s)
Windsor. A General View Westward from the base of the curtain of the Round Tower