Looking at Historic Lands: Urban and Rural June 10, 2012

This group of French and English 18th-century prints and drawings was created during a period of on-going fascination with exotic lands and cultures and a passion for travel. At this time, Britain was the wealthiest nation in the world, and a significant number of both English and French citizens had the time, money and inclination to wander the continent. The wealthiest purchased topographical paintings, but others chose drawings, or the least expensive option, prints, to commemorate their experiences.