A pencil, black chalk and watercolour drawing of a landscape with trees. On a path are cadets from the Woolwich Military Academy in blue coats and tricorne hats. Another man carrying baskets on a pole, and figures loading a horse and cart under the trees. Cows in the fields behind. Signed in pen and ink: 'P. Sandby, Woolwich 1796'. Inscribed in pencil on the verso: 'at Woolwich' and 'Nov.14, 1827, £1 4s'.

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 view in Woolwich park, with military cadets and workers tending the land. The drawing is a pair with RCIN 917153 and was purchased together. Oppé notes that the use of black chalk 'to give 'body' while retaining transparency is a new development of Sandby's processes' (Oppé 1947, no. 194). Sandby experimented with materials and techniques, and his watercolours show a range of different styles. Oppé's description of the work and its pair as 'studio drawings' however, does not align with the fact that Sandby signed and dated both works, a rare practice more common to his later works. Oppé also suggests that the inclusion of Woolwich cadets suggests the drawing was made for sale to Sandby's pupils.