Circle of Paul Sandby, R.A. (Nottingham 1731-1809 London)

Sandby exhibited two views of Canterbury at the Royal Academy in 1786: The Cemetery Gate at Canterbury, a view of St. Augustine's (Tate Britain) and St. George's Gate, Canterbury, sold in these Rooms, 11 November 1997, lot 9. The present subject is the Great Gate of St Augustine's Abbey, and it was first published as an etching by Sandby in 1782. The present drawing has traditionally been attributed to Sandby, but the handling seems more typical of a younger artist working in his circle than of Sandby himself.