Antique Woodcut View of London – Thames River Panorama with London Bridge, c1650
€ 140
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Sheet size
12.5 × 17.5 cm (4.9 × 6.9 in)
Condition
Fair
Reference
BG-13825-8
Condition
Condition summary: Fair for age. Paper shows age-toning, handling marks, and foxing, with a few small stains, especially toward the centre. Some creases from past folding. Impression remains strong, with good clarity in architectural detail.
About this sheet
Antique Woodcut View of London – Thames River Panorama with London Bridge, c.1650s
This striking antique woodcut presents a panoramic view of London along the River Thames, dating from the mid-17th century. The scene is dominated by the dense skyline of church spires, civic buildings, and the distinctive medieval London Bridge, complete with its fortified gates and buildings constructed along its span. Numerous sailing vessels, from large merchant ships to smaller river craft, animate the waters of the Thames, reflecting the city’s role as a major hub of trade and maritime activity.
The perspective appears to be taken from the south bank of the river, looking northward toward the city. Key architectural features include the prominent tower of Old St Paul’s Cathedral before its destruction in the Great Fire of 1666, a detail which helps to date the image to before that catastrophe. The surrounding hills form a gentle backdrop, while dramatic stylised clouds frame the upper part of the composition.
The top right is marked “Fol. 218,” suggesting that this woodcut originated from a 17th-century illustrated book or topographical history, possibly one of the city views published in European atlases and chronicles of the era. The printing method is typical of the time, with strong black lines and minimal shading, relying on linear detail to convey architectural density.
This image is not only a charming decorative piece but also a valuable historical record of pre-Fire London, showing the city at the height of its early modern commercial power.
Condition summary: Fair for age. Paper shows age-toning, handling marks, and foxing, with a few small stains, especially toward the centre. Some creases from past folding. Impression remains strong, with good clarity in architectural detail.
Framing tips: To complement the age and tone of the paper, consider a dark oak or black frame with a warm off-white or cream mount. A slightly distressed wooden frame can enhance its antique character, while museum-grade glazing will protect the fragile paper from further light damage.
