550 - W. WATTS (*1752) after SANDBY (*1725), West Combe in Kent, 1779, Etching

W. WATTS (*1752) after SANDBY (*1725), West Combe in Kent, 1779, Etching William Watts (1752 - 1851 ) after Paul Sandby (1725 Nottingham - 1809 London): West Combe in Kent View of West Combe in Kent, seat of the Marchioness of Lothian, 1779, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Impression Quality: Excellent, harmonious print. Inscription: At the lower part signed in the printing plate: "P. Sandby R.A. del. / W. Watts sculp.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "West Combe, in Kent, the Seat of the Marchioness of Lothian. / Published as the Act directs Jan.y 1.st 1779, by W. Watts, Knights Bridge, Chelsea.". Date: 1779 Description: A stately country house is depicted on a gently sloping meadow, placed in the center between tall, spreading trees. In front of the building is a small group of figures with a dog; on the right is a woman standing upright, on the left a sheep grazing. The house has a symmetrical central structure with a triangular gable, a raised entrance and side extensions. The line of sight runs from the staffage figures over the hill to the building. Delicate, even lines and dense hatching model foliage, clouds and shadow zones. The wide car park and the ordered architecture allude to a topographical manor house subject with representative aspirations. 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 house; Manor house; Parkland; Trees; Meadow; Staffage figures; Walk; Dog; Sheep; Architectural view; Topography; Kent; Cloudy sky; Hill; English country estate; Garden; Etching; Copper engraving; 18th century; 18th century; Classicism; Architecture; United Kingdom; Size: Paper: 20,1 cm x 24,8 cm (7,9 x 9,8 in), Plate: 15,8 cm x 20,1 cm (6,2 x 7,9 in), Depiction: 12,6 cm x 18,5 cm (5 x 7,3 in) Condition: Good condition. Slight paper ageing, sheet browned overall with individual small stains and discreet margin discoloration; wide margins preserved. Some wear and fingerstaining to the right margin. The corners of the sheet slightly bumped and creased. Delicate scratches visible in the upper center of the image.