The North-West Prospect of Maidstone, in the County of Kent

Location

Country: UK
City: London
Place: Government Art Collection

This view of Maidstone, published in the early 18th century by brothers Samuel and Nathaniel Buck, shows a picturesque town surrounded by fields and trees. To the left of the composition, two well-dressed gentlemen standing in a field converse, as one of the men gestures with his walking cane.

Brothers Samuel and Nathaniel Buck made their names as leading British topographical draughtsmen of the 18th century. Over a period of 34 years, the Bucks produced several hundred drawings and engravings, including 87 engraved prospects of England and Wales. These are now important visual records of the appearance of British urban landscapes prior to the changes that occurred during the Industrial Revolution. In some cases, the places depicted have since disappeared or changed beyond recognition.

Places

England, Maidstone, Kent, River Medway

Subjects

rowing boat, topography, townscape/cityscape, tree, cow, dog, river, hill, man, woman, basket, coat of arms, field, road, gate, park, bridge (urban), prison, school, house, palace, church, ruin, sailboat

Materials & Techniques

engraving, coloured engraving

Artist

Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (1696 - 1779)

Title

The North-West Prospect of Maidstone, in the County of Kent

Date

1738

Medium

Coloured engraving

Acquisition

Purchased from Parker Gallery, April 1960

GAC number

5095