West View of Cowdray House – Antique Engraving of Viscount Montague’s Estate, 1796
This detailed antique engraving captures the west-facing elevation of Cowdray House, the celebrated Tudor mansion in West Sussex, England, long associated with the noble Montague family. The composition shows the stately home at the end of a straight, formal approach framed by expansive lawns and bordered by mature trees. The symmetrical façade, punctuated by its characteristic towers and crenellations, reflects the grandeur of early 16th-century English architecture.
Cowdray House was commissioned in the early 1500s and became one of the great Tudor houses of England, visited by monarchs including King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. This engraving records the estate’s appearance prior to the catastrophic fire of 1793, which left much of the building in ruins. As such, it is a rare visual document of the house in its complete form.
The plate was engraved by James Basire (1730–1802), a highly respected British engraver known for his architectural precision and topographical works, after a drawing by Samuel Hieronymus Grimm (1733–1794), a Swiss artist celebrated for his finely observed depictions of British landscapes and historic sites. Together, their work offers both accuracy and artistry, making this print a significant historical record.
This engraving is an appealing acquisition for collectors of English country house views, Tudor architecture, or antiquarian prints, providing both aesthetic charm and scholarly value.
Condition: Very good impression with general age-related toning, mainly on top and right edge in the margins. Plate mark slightly visible and small frayed edge on the left side margin. Strong paper with full margins.
Framing tips: A dark walnut or gilt frame paired with a warm ivory mat will highlight the engraved details and complement the historical character of the piece.
Overall size: 56 x 37.5 cm. Image size: 0.001 x 51 x 19 cm.
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