Antiquarian drawings

CARL Oct 10, 2014 13:52:50

Here's another question for you.

Whenever I see an old drawing by a 17th / 18th century antiquarian etc the scale of the stones to the person in the drawing is nearly always wrong. The stones are always shown much bigger than they are in real life.

Anyone know why? Was it just done to emphasise the size of the stones?

Vybik Jon Oct 10, 2014 14:04:02

Replying to CARL

People were smaller then?

wideford Oct 10, 2014 18:48:46

Replying to CARL

used two different chain units ;-)

Rhiannon Oct 10, 2014 19:24:18

Replying to CARL

(a boringly unamusing guess) - maybe to do with the printmaking process of turning the sketch into something that could be printed in a book. I.e. it's likely the person doing the etchings wasn't the person who'd done the sketch, and so hadn't been there, and didn't know the scale. But that it would be appropriate in the style of landscape paintings of the time to pop in a few rustic locals? Making it less scientific and dry, and more Romantic and about experiencing the monument as made by our druidic ancestors?

I don't know really.

GLADMAN Oct 16, 2014 20:29:57

Replying to CARL

Ardal o'Hanlon's ancestors were involved. The people are large, but far away........

nigelswift Oct 16, 2014 20:58:24

Replying to CARL

This is the unique quality of this site Carl. Everyone is always ready and willing to help.

thelonious Oct 21, 2014 20:50:10

Replying to CARL

I'd love a little book of Fred Coles sketches. There is just something about them I like. He always makes sites look so peaceful.

Evergreen Dazed Oct 22, 2014 14:12:27

Replying to CARL

CARL wrote:

Here's another question for you.

Anyone know why? Was it just done to emphasise the size of the stones?

I've wondered this when looking at my copy of Stukeley illustrated.
My guess would be a little artistic licence. He did seem to be keen on the grand gesture ('Archdruid!')