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1 of 253523 objects
Paul Sandby (1731-1809)
The Royal Military Academy at Woolwich c. 1785-95
Pencil, pen and ink, watercolour and bodycolour | 30.8 x 47.5 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 914721
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A pencil, watercolour and bodycolour drawing of the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich, at sunset. With weaponry and ammunition cases in the courtyard, and groups of figures strolling. On a yellow and pink wash-line bordered mount of the type associated with drawings sold at Paul Sandby's estate sale (see J. Roberts, Views of Windsor, exh cat 1997, p. 142). Lettered on the mount: The Royal Military Academy at Woolwich, and with lot 32, almost erased.
Paul Sandby was Chief Drawing Master at the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich from 1768 until 1796, renting lodgings nearby in Old Charlton. This watercolour shows a peaceful evening view with children playing among the ammunition stores. Sandby made several views of the Military Academy, exhibiting one at the Royal Academy in 1786 and one in 1808. The Prince Rupert's Tower, seen on the left in the background of the present drawing, was demolished in 1786, but Sandby's 1808 view showed the Academy 'as it was in the year 1785', and he apparently made versions of the subject long after the demolition of the tower. A print of the same subject by Sandby was engraved by Michael Angelo Rooker on 1 December 1775 as part of the 150 Select Views (plate 22).
Provenance
Paul Sandby estate sale, 2-4 May 1811, lot 32 ('A finished view of the Old Royal Military Academy, and Prince Rupert's Tower in the Warren at Woolwich'); bought Colnaghi for George IV when Prince Regent, £1. 18s
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Pencil, pen and ink, watercolour and bodycolour
Measurements
30.8 x 47.5 cm (sheet of paper)
Category
Object type(s)
Other number(s)
RL 14721
