Who painted Scene in Windsor Forest?

Scene in Windsor Forest was painted by Paul Sandby in 1750.

Where can I see Scene in Windsor Forest?

Scene in Windsor Forest is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Scene in Windsor Forest?

Scene in Windsor Forest is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Scene in Windsor Forest?

Museum-quality prints of Scene in Windsor Forest are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Scene in Windsor Forest

Paul Sandby , 1750

Scene in Windsor Forest is a watercolor work on paper by the Rococo painting artist Paul Sandby. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This watercolor, titled Scene in Windsor Forest, presents a tranquil woodland view rendered in muted greens, browns, and blues. A foreground of trees and shrubbery leads the eye toward a distant stand of trees and a reflective water body, while a sky peeks through the canopy, creating a gentle, atmospheric composition.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a moment of quiet in a forested landscape, emphasizing the subtle interplay of light and foliage. By focusing on the natural setting rather than human activity, the image conveys a contemplative appreciation of the countryside, inviting viewers to consider the serene qualities of the English woodland environment.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor, the piece employs delicate washes that blend softly, producing a dreamlike effect. The palette is restrained, with earth tones dominating and occasional blue hints suggesting water and sky. Brushwork is loose yet controlled, allowing forms to emerge through layered pigments, a hallmark of early Romantic landscape approaches.

History & Provenance

Catalogued as P.7‑1959, the drawing was part of the William Sandby Collection of Drawings by Paul Sandby and appeared in Christie's auction, Lot 39, on 26 May 1959. An inscription in William Sandby’s hand records its earlier ownership by Colonel Gravatt of the Royal Engineers, who acquired it in August 1867 from Windsor Forest.

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Artist & collection

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.