468 - W. WATTS (*1752) after HODGES (*1744), Sandbeck in Yorkshire, 1779, etching

W. WATTS (*1752) after HODGES (*1744), Sandbeck in Yorkshire, 1779, etching William Watts (1752–1851) after William Hodges (1744–1797): Sandbeck in Yorkshire, Sandbeck in Yorkshire, country seat of the Earl of Scarborough, 1779, etching Technique: Etching on paper Condition: Clear impression. Scratches in the sky in the image. Inscription: Signed on the printing plate at the bottom: "W. Hodges pinxt. / W. Watts sculpt." Inscribed at the bottom of the printing plate: “Sandbeck, in Yorkshire, the Seat of the Earl of Scarborough. Published as the Act directs, Aug. 1, 1779, by W. Watts, Kempt’s Row, Chelsea.” Date: 1779 Description: A view of a typical country estate featuring a three-story, classicizing main building on the left, whose central risalits are accentuated by triangular gables and columned porticos. The building stands on a rusticated plinth; steps lead up to the entrance. On the right, a park landscape unfolds, featuring a group of trees, a riverside path, a small bridge, and a body of water on which a sailboat is visible. A few tiny figures enliven the middle ground and create a sense of depth in the space. Dense hatching renders the architecture, foliage, and cloudy sky; horizontal lines lend a sense of calm to the sky. The composition directs the viewer’s gaze from the house across the path to the water and into the distant hilly landscape. 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; Architectural view; Park landscape; Classical portico; Columns; Triangular gable; Open staircase; Group of trees; Shore; Waterway; Sailboat; Bridge; Staffage figures; Cloudy sky; Hatching; Veduta; England; Noble residence; 18th century; Classicism; Architecture; United Kingdom, Sandbeck; Size: Paper: 20.2 cm x 24.0 cm (8 x 9.4 in), Plate: 16.3 cm x 20.1 cm (6.4 x 7.9 in), Image area: 13.1 cm x 18.3 cm (5.2 x 7.2 in) Condition: In fairly good condition. The sheet is slightly browned overall, with marginal signs of age and wear; there are occasional small stains and more noticeable discoloration and rubbing along the lower right margin; the corners and margins are slightly bumped. The lower left corner of the sheet is creased.