Title: "Title-Page to a Book of Prospects of London, Published by R. Butter (1785-1799)"
This etching, serving as the title-page to a 'Book of Prospects of London', was published by R. Butter between 1785 and 1799. The composition features allegorical figures in the foreground, symbolizing commerce, prosperity, and cultural achievement. They are gathered around a tablet inscribed with promotional text for the book, which is positioned on a hill overlooking London.
The allegorical figures, including a woman holding a cornucopia (symbolizing abundance) and others with tools or instruments, highlight the prosperity brought by London's bustling economy and the arts. The prominence of ships on the Thames further underscores the city's maritime importance.
The background offers a detailed prospect of the City of London, with notable landmarks such as Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge, and the iconic dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Thames teems with ships, emphasizing London’s importance as a center of trade and navigation during the late 18th century.
This print captures the grandeur and vibrancy of London during its recovery and growth after the Great Fire of 1666. Its allegorical elements and detailed skyline make it a fascinating piece for collectors of historical prints or those interested in London's urban and cultural history.
This hand-colored print celebrates London's prominence and growth, capturing its architectural and economic vibrancy. As both an artistic and functional piece, it appeals to collectors of historical cityscapes and 18th-century decorative engravings.
Bartele Gallery. Original antique maps, sea charts, engravings and works on paper. This is a plain text rendering of a page that is otherwise built in the browser. The catalogue index is at https://www.bartele.net/catalogue and machine readable notes are at https://www.bartele.net/llms.txt.