Dudley Castle... Le Chateau de Dudley

Wolverhampton & London: R.Paddy and F.Jukes, 1793. Aquatint, printed in colours and finished by hand, by Francis Jukes, with engraved title and explanatory text beneath image in English and French on wove paper. A very fine pastoral scene and an excellent example of the picturesque, beautifully printed in colours and finished by hand

The text beneath the image reads: "Dudley Castle is said to have been built by one Dodo, or Dudo, a Saxon, about the year 700; so that its present appellation of Dudley is a corruption of his name. This Castle stands on the summit of a Rockey [sic.] Hill, whose sides are beautifully wooded. It commands a most extensive prospect over five Counties, and into Part of Wales. It belongs to Lord Ward, whose Father was by King George the 3d.... created Viscount Dudley and Ward of Dudley." The still-standing ruin was built in the 12th century. It is one of several aquatint views by Francis Jukes of medieval architecture in advanced decay greatly enjoyed by the new Romantic generation. The view shows the castle on a fine summer day. The picturesque ruin of the castle contrasts neatly with liveliness of the scene in the foreground. The hay has been cut and dried and is now being gathered in. The estate manager, or perhaps Viscount Dudley himself, has come, with two ladies, to see how the harvest is progressing. He sits astride his horse deep in conversation with an overseer, whilst one of the two ladies offers a tip to one of the workers. Behind them male and female workers toil in the sun trying to appear as busy as possible whilst still keeping an eye on the 'master'.