Mountainous Landscape with a Fortress

Sandby specialized in topographical views. In his many drawings, he combined an accurate rendering of his subject with atmospheric effects of light, finely observed figures and anecdotal details. This mountainous landscape is most likely imaginary. The influence of Italianate landscapes is clear to see. Sandby never visited Italy, but looked closely at the work of Dutch 17th-century artists who had travelled there, such as Nicolaas Berchem and Jan Asselijn.