Paul Sandby
, English, 1725-1809
Title
Beech Trees by a Country RoadMediumCharcoal and watercolour on paper
Dimensions
39.6 x 56.5 cm
Credit LineBequeathed, Mr W.A. Sandby, 1905
Object numberNGI.2578
DescriptionPaul Sandby was one of the most influential landscape artists of the eighteenth century. He was a founder member of the Society of Artists in 1761 and the Royal Academy in 1768. He was one of the first artists to travel widely in Scotland and Wales, his views playing a major part in shaping Picturesque and Romantic landscape painting. This view shows Sandby's skill in transforming a relatively ordinary scene into a majestic landscape. His accurate observation of nature is evident as the trees do not simply serve as a generic leafy frame but are clearly recognisable as beech trees. Although Sandby never visited Ireland, a number of grand Irish views exist, which he probably based on sketches by Lord Portarlington, an amateur artist.