Aberglaslyn Bridge (North Wales) 1776

Paul Sandby's "Aberglaslyn Bridge (North Wales)" is a 1776 aquatint, showcasing the picturesque beauty of the Welsh landscape. Sandby, a founding member of the Royal Academy, was a pioneer of the aquatint technique, a method that uses etching to create tonal effects. This artwork, held at The Art Institute of Chicago, captures the natural beauty of North Wales, with a meandering path leading to a bridge set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and a clear, flowing river. Sandby's meticulous attention to detail and the soft, atmospheric quality of the aquatint technique create a sense of tranquility and wonder.