Monastery of St. Augustine, Canterbury

Watercolor over traces of graphite on laid paper Sandby’s precise delineation of the cemetery gate of the medieval monastery of St. Augustine in Canterbury reveals his early training as a military draftsman. However, he has composed the image in a way that goes beyond simple topography. The angle at which he views the structures is one that maximizes the visual interest of the subject. A wide variety of shapes—from the flat planes of the walls to the round towers to the arched windows—enliven the image. Textures range from the soft green leaves of the trees to the rough bricks of the chimneys to the even rougher stone of the towers. The emphasis on variety and irregularity places the drawing within the aesthetic category of the picturesque (2022).