Pembroke Castle 1774 - 1775

Editor: This is Paul Sandby's "Pembroke Castle," a topographical print. It’s quite small, but grand. I wonder, how would this image have been seen and understood in its time? Curator: Sandby's print participates in the 18th-century fashion for picturesque landscapes, fueled by a growing interest in national identity and history. Prints like these democratized access to art and ideas. How might this image have contributed to a sense of Britishness? Editor: So, it’s not just a pretty picture; it’s actively shaping cultural understanding? Curator: Precisely! Its wide circulation meant this version of Pembroke Castle became a shared visual reference. It’s a powerful example of how art and the institutions that supported it, played a role in constructing national narratives. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about. Thanks!