A park scene near Woolwich dated 1796
Pencil, black chalk and watercolour | 45.5 x 62.0 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 917152
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A pencil, black chalk and watercolour drawing of a landscape with trees. On a path are cadets from the Woolwich Military Academy in blue coats and tricorne hats. Another man carrying baskets on a pole, and figures loading a horse and cart under the trees. Cows in the fields behind. Signed in pen and ink: 'P. Sandby, Woolwich 1796'. Inscribed in pencil on the verso: 'at Woolwich' and 'Nov.14, 1827, £1 4s'.
Paul Sandby was Chief Drawing Master at the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich from 1768 until 1796, renting lodgings nearby in Old Charlton. This watercolour shows a view in Woolwich park, with military cadets and workers tending the land. The drawing is a pair with RCIN 917153 and was purchased together. Oppé notes that the use of black chalk 'to give 'body' while retaining transparency is a new development of Sandby's processes' (Oppé 1947, no. 194). Sandby experimented with materials and techniques, and his watercolours show a range of different styles. Oppé's description of the work and its pair as 'studio drawings' however, does not align with the fact that Sandby signed and dated both works, a rare practice more common to his later works. Oppé also suggests that the inclusion of Woolwich cadets suggests the drawing was made for sale to Sandby's pupils.Provenance
Purchased from the Fine Art Society, 1942
As part of ongoing provenance research, this work has been identified as having uncertain or incomplete provenance for the years 1933–45. Royal Collection Trust welcomes information and assistance in the investigation and clarification of the provenance of all works during that era.
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Creator(s)
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Medium and techniques
Pencil, black chalk and watercolour
Measurements
45.5 x 62.0 cm (sheet of paper)
Other number(s)
RL 17152