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  • [ London after the Great Fire ] Sic transit...
Stock# 111209
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Title
[ London after the Great Fire ] Sic transit gloria Mundi. London
Publication Place / Date
n.p. / 1666 circa
Image Dimensions
10 x 6.75 inches
Color
Uncolored
Condition
VG
Stock# 111209
$2,800.00
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Description

A London Fire Rarity

This rare copper plate engraving, titled Sic transit gloria Mundi, London, provides a vivid depiction of the Great Fire of London in September 1666. The scene is set from Bankside, south of the River Thames, where a group of onlookers accompanied by their dogs observes the devastation across the river. The smoke and flames dominate the skyline, illustrating the catastrophic scale of the fire that engulfed the city. The Latin phrase Sic transit gloria Mundi ("Thus passes the glory of the world") underscores the transitory nature of human achievements, reflecting the tragedy of the moment.

Several landmarks on the north side of the Thames are prominently labeled. On the far left, Whitehall is visible, standing intact and untouched by the flames. Close by is Somerset House, another notable structure along the riverbank. The New Exchange and Durham House are also identified, marking important sites along the Strand that frame the viewer's perception of the urban landscape. Further to the right, the Savoy stands as a testament to London’s architectural history, situated near the edge of the fire’s reach.

Central to the composition is St. Paul’s Cathedral, its pre-fire medieval structure engulfed in flames, symbolizing the destruction of one of London’s most significant spiritual and cultural edifices. Surrounding the cathedral, the fire extends towards Baynard’s Castle and the Royal Exchange. Meanwhile, Temple Church remains visible on the south-central side of the city, near the river.

To the far right of the engraving, the Tower of London rises unscathed, standing in stark contrast to the devastation surrounding it. Below the Tower, Custom House and Tower Wharf are clearly marked. Other churches are shown ablaze, such as St. Michael and All Hallows Barking, emphasizing the spiritual and civic losses incurred by the fire.

The south bank, where the onlookers and their dogs reside, offers a striking contrast to the inferno on the north bank.  

Rarity

The view is extremely rare.  We wer unable to locate any other examples offered for sale or at auction.

We locate an example at the British Museum (gifted by John Charles Crowle in 1811) and possibly 2 others illustrated by various websites.

Condition Description
Left margin extended for framing, without loss of printed image.
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