Episcopal Palace at St. Davids 1775

Editor: This sepia wash drawing shows the Episcopal Palace at St. Davids, made by Paul Sandby. The ruins seem so picturesque, yet there's also a somber quality. What does this image tell us about the place of the church in society at the time it was made? Curator: Sandby was keen to document Britain's changing landscape. Consider the late 18th century: a rising interest in antiquarianism and the picturesque went hand in hand with significant social and political change. How might portraying a crumbling ecclesiastical structure reflect those shifts? Editor: So, the ruins aren't just romantic; they're also a commentary on the Church’s evolving role. I hadn't considered how political the picturesque could be! Curator: Precisely! Images like these helped shape public perception and encouraged a nostalgic view of the past amidst rapid modernization. Editor: That gives me a whole new perspective on the drawing. Thanks!