461 - W. WATTS (*1752) after HEARNE (*1744), The Moat in Kent, 1783, Etching

W. WATTS (*1752) after HEARNE (*1744), The Moat in Kent, 1783, Etching William Watts (1752 - 1851 ) after Thomas Hearne (1744 - 1817 ): The Moat in Kent The Moat in Kent, Lord Romney's country estate in extensive parkland, 1783, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Impression Quality: Quite excellent, harmonious impression, delicate and clearly marked. Tiny etching spot at lower right margin Inscription: At the lower part signed in the printing plate: "T. Hearne del. / W. Watts sculp.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "The Moat in Kent, the Seat of Lord Romney.; Published as the Act directs June 1st 1783 by W. Watts, Chelsea.". Date: 1783 Description: View of an extensive country estate with an elongated main building, numerous chimneys and a central clock or bell tower with a dome and cross. The building lies behind a rising wall and opens out to the right into a park-like landscape. In the foreground, small staffage figures with dogs and other people enliven the scene; riders or horse riders appear on the right. Mighty groups of trees frame the architecture, above them a sky filled with large clouds. Delicate parallel lines and dense hatching model the clouds, foliage and ground. The composition combines a representative view of a house with the expanse of the landscape and emphasises ownership, order and rural status. Source: William Watts (1752 -1851 ) The seats of the nobility and gentry, in a collection of the most interesting and picturesque views, 1779 | Book, Architecture Keywords: Country estate; Manor house; Kent; Architectural view; Parkland; Staffage figures; Dog; Horses; Cloudy sky; Groups of trees; Wall; Chimneys; Tower; Country estate; English architecture; Veduta; Print graphic; Shore; Wides; 18th century; Classicism; Architecture; United Kingdom, Kent; Size: Paper: 19,8 cm x 24,3 cm (7,8 x 9,6 in), Plate: 15,0 cm x 20,2 cm (5,9 x 8 in), Depiction: 12,2 cm x 18,4 cm (4,8 x 7,2 in) Condition: Good condition. Somewhat browned sheet with scattered small stains, slight age toning to margins and minor traces of use; wide margins preserved. Small traces of printing at the top of the sheet margin. The corners of the sheet are slightly bumped and creased.