Architecture & Design · 18th century
€ 120
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
good, given age. Light soiling and creasing. Richt margin a bit short. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scans.
This fascinating double-panel print from 'The New Complete British Traveller' (1783/84) presents two significant and picturesque English coastal scenes: 'Portsmouth Harbour in Hampshire' and 'Dartmouth Castle in Devonshire'. Published by Alexander Hogg under the fictional name “Walpoole” and others—a clever marketing tactic to convey a sense of grand collaborative authorship—this work is a prime example of late 18th-century engravings produced for affordable, serialized publications that aimed to educate and entertain a growing literate public.
In the upper panel, Portsmouth Harbour bustles with maritime activity, depicting ships of various types at anchor or under sail, signaling the town's importance as a naval and commercial port. Figures on the shore add liveliness, emphasizing Portsmouth’s status as a hub of 18th-century British naval power. This is particularly significant given the maritime dominance of Britain during the era.
The lower panel showcases Dartmouth Castle, an iconic fortress guarding the River Dart estuary. Built in the 14th century and expanded later, the castle reflects Britain's long-standing concerns about coastal defense. The scenic composition includes sailing ships navigating the tranquil waters, hills in the background, and the medieval castle itself.
This print is intriguing for its detailed execution, combining topographical accuracy with artistic embellishment. The ornate border framing the scenes adds an air of elegance and highlights the craftsmanship involved. It also reflects the increasing public interest in visual depictions of landmarks, fueled by Britain’s expanding literacy and leisure markets.
Its historical significance stems from its role in democratizing access to geographic knowledge and national pride, offering affordable “armchair” travel for readers in Georgian Britain. The clean condition, despite some edge wear, makes this a valuable piece for collectors of 18th-century prints or British topographical art.
