The Entrance of Warwick Castel from the Lower Court, plate 2 1776

Paul Sandby created this aquatint of "The Entrance of Warwick Castle" sometime in the late 18th century. This was a period when the picturesque aesthetic was highly fashionable in Britain, which idealized the beauty of the natural landscape. Sandby’s print participates in this aesthetic, but also reflects the social and institutional context in which it was produced. During this time, country estates and castles were increasingly opened up to public view. Sandby's print caters to that interest, and his choice of the aquatint technique makes the image more accessible to a broader audience through mass production. But in what ways did this representation shape the understanding of British history and national identity? By studying estate records, guidebooks, and travelogues, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, tourism, and the construction of cultural heritage in 18th-century Britain.