Artwork

Patie and Roger

Patie and Roger, by Paul Sandby, 1758
Patie and Roger, by Paul Sandby, 1758

Patie and Roger is a print by the Romanticist artist Paul Sandby. It dates from 1758 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Patie and Roger is an 18th-century English landscape print created by Paul Sandby in 1758. A foundational figure in British art, Sandby would later co-found the Royal Academy. This work exemplifies the English landscape tradition, focusing on a serene rural scene with two central figures.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a tranquil rural moment: two men, Patie and Roger, engaged in conversation under a tree by a river, accompanied by a resting dog. A bridge and distant hill complete the composition, emphasizing a harmonious relationship between figures and natural surroundings.

Technique & Style

Sandby employed detailed line work, particularly in the tree renderings, and utilized chiaroscuro shading techniques to create depth. This contrast of light and dark accents the dimensional quality of the landscape elements against the sky, enhancing the overall sense of calm.

History & Provenance

Created in 1758, Patie and Roger reflects Sandby's expertise as both a mapmaker and landscape artist. A decade later, in 1768, Sandby, along with his brother Thomas, founded the Royal Academy, solidifying his influence on British artistic institutions.

Context

This piece sits within the broader 18th-century English landscape tradition, characterized by meticulous observation of nature and often, as seen here, a sense of peaceful coexistence between human figures and their environment.

Legacy

Through works like Patie and Roger, Sandby contributed to the evolution of British landscape art, paving the way for future generations of artists. His role in establishing the Royal Academy further cemented his lasting impact on the development of British art practices.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Paul Sandby

Artist

Paul Sandby

Paul Sandby, (1731 – 7 November 1809) was an English mapmaker and painter who specialised in landscape art. Along with his older brother Thomas Sandby, he was one of the founding members of the Royal Academy in 1768.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.