A PROSPECT of the CITY of LONDON.

This wonderful panorama is from the Nouveau théâtre de la Grand Bretagne, by Johannes Kip. The set of five volumes is celebrated for its survey of the country house during the Augustinian age, as recorded in the series of plates engraved by Kip himself. This ‘flourishing period of restoration, expansion and reconstruction of the seats of the English nobility was the immediate outcome of a great increase in mercantile prosperity.’  Other engravers contributed to produce some outstanding plates that show the royal palaces, naval towns, cathedrals, the colleges of Oxford and Cambridge and large panoramic views of London, Westminster and Cambridge. A title banner in French is held up by putti adorned with garlands and drapery. In the centre the putti holds the Royal Arms current from 1707-1714. The panorama stretches from Temple (no.43) on the left to the Tower of London (no.64) on the right. The dome of St. Paul’s dominates the skyline surrounded by numerous other smaller spires. It is shown as completed with the exception of the scrolled parapet above the apse. Moored off Bankside and flying the City flag is the ‘Folly’, a barge adapted as a floating concert room, usually anchored near the Savoy.  Bernard Adams commented in London Illustrated 1604-1851, that these were “the two best panoramic views of the South Bank to be published since those by Hollar and Morgan (London Actually Survey’d) of the previous century.”

Fine condition, good margins. Framed size: 134 cm x 62cm.