542 - W. WATTS (*1752) after RICHARDS (18th), Halfwell in Somerset, 1780, Etching

W. WATTS (*1752) after RICHARDS (18th), Halfwell in Somerset, 1780, Etching William Watts (1752 - 1851 ) after J. Richards (18th century): Halfwell in Somersetshire Halfwell in Somersetshire, country estate of Sir Charles Kemeys Tynte with park and pavilion, 1780, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Impression Quality: Good impression, somewhat pale at the bottom. Some scratches in the sky. Inscription: At the lower part signed in the printing plate: "J. Richards R.A. pinxt. / W. Watts sculp.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "Halfwell, in Somersetshire, the Seat of Sir Charles Kemeys Tynte, Bart. / Published as the Act directs, Jany 1st 1780, by W. Watts, Knightsbridge Road, Chelsea". Date: 1780 Description: Extensive parkland with a prestigious country estate on a calm stretch of water. On the left, a round temple-like pavilion with a dome and columns stands on a hill; on the right, a multi-storey manor house rises beyond the bank. In the foreground, a man and a horse are leading a small carriage, with other staffage figures strolling alongside, some in pairs, some with dogs. The figures are wearing contemporary long robes or cloaks and tricorns. A large, cloudy sky dominates the upper half of the painting. Delicate parallel lines, dense hatching and graduated tonal values model the terrain, groups of trees, water surface and atmospheric depth. The scenery combines topographical accuracy with an idealized park idyll. 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; Pavilion; Rotunda; Parkland; Lake; Shore; Group of trees; Staffage figures; Horse; Cart; Walker; Dog; Cloudy sky; Topography; England; Somersetshire; Architectural view; Engraving; Noble residence; 18th century; Classicism; Architecture; United Kingdom; Size: Paper: 19,9 cm x 24,7 cm (7,8 x 9,7 in), Plate: 15,2 cm x 20,2 cm (6 x 8 in), Depiction: 12,5 cm x 18,4 cm (4,9 x 7,2 in) Condition: Rather good condition. Wide-margined sheet with slight age-related paper toning, individual small stains, minimal marginal unevenness and discreet traces of use; uncut along the left margin of the sheet. Several scratches in the image. The corners of the sheet minimally bumped.