Swell, The Seat of Sir Robert Atkyns, plate 371 from "The Ancient and Present State of Gloucestershire" 1712 - 1768

Johannes Kip made this print, "Swell, The Seat of Sir Robert Atkyns," as part of a larger publication called "The Ancient and Present State of Gloucestershire." Published in the early 18th century, this image offers more than just a depiction of an estate. It's a window into the social hierarchy of the time. The meticulously planned gardens and the grand house itself speak of wealth and power. The formal layout, with its geometric patterns, suggests a desire for control over nature, reflecting the values of the elite class. The "Ancient and Present State of Gloucestershire" itself is an interesting artifact. County histories were often commissioned by the landed gentry as a way of legitimizing their status. These books served as a kind of visual propaganda, reinforcing the idea of a natural social order. To fully understand this print, we can consult land records, architectural plans, and genealogical information, each revealing more about the social and institutional contexts in which it was created.