The Duke of Cumberland was appointed Ranger of Windsor Great Park in 1746 and oversaw its landscaping, gathering trees, plants and seeds from across Europe and North America. In 1753 he created the artificial lake Virginia Water. This watercolour is one of six commissioned by the Duke from his draughtsman and Deputy Ranger, Thomas Sandby. It shows Virginia Water and an obelisk built in the Duke’s honour by his father George II. Commissioned by the Duke of Cumberland Cat. 27