Overton Bridge/Over the River Dee, on the Confines of Denbigh and Flintshire 1776

Paul Sandby created this print of Overton Bridge over the River Dee as part of a series called "Twelve Views in North Wales." As a work made for the print market in Britain, it speaks to the growing interest in picturesque landscapes during the late 18th century. Sandby's choice of subject matter, a functional bridge within a natural setting, reflects the period's fascination with infrastructure development and its impact on the environment. The artist's decision to depict the Welsh countryside reveals a cultural curiosity about the regions beyond London. Through its details, the image offers us insight into contemporary British attitudes toward nature, progress, and regional identity. Understanding this work fully requires us to delve into the artistic conventions of the time, along with the economic and social history that shaped its production and reception. By consulting period guidebooks, travel accounts, and art criticism, we can gain valuable insights into the historical context of this print.