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This fascinating piece, a Latin version of Pierre Aveline's view of London, offers a captivating look into the city's past, specifically during its reconstruction period following the Great Fire of 1666. Rendered in great detail but in a somewhat naive style, the copper engraving captures London's architectural transformation, while simultaneously displaying certain historical incongruities, such as the inclusion of Elizabethan theaters in Bankside. The image provides a glimpse into the vibrant life of the city, highlighting the River Thames with its numerous ships and various iconic landmarks, thus offering a unique historical perspective. This scarce work serves not only as a testament to London's resilience and ability to rebuild and flourish after disaster, but also as an intriguing artifact of artistic expression from the early 18th century.
The key provided in the bottom margin identifies the following features:
- Scalla, sive Portus Whitealli - The stairs, or the port of Whitehall
- Templum S. Pauli - St. Paul's Cathedral
- Templum S. Laurentii - St. Lawrence's Church
- Templum S. Dunstani - St. Dunstan's Church
- Turris - The Tower of London
- Winchester - Palace of the Bishop of Winchester
- S. Maria ad Arcum - St. Mary's Church (at the Arch)
- S. Claudii - St. Claude's Church
- Fluvius Thamesis - The River Thames
- Pars meridionalis Londini - The southern part of London
![[Suburbs of London] Sheet 1: Bayswater, Notting Hill, Kensal Green, Shepherds Bush &c. [with] Sheet 2: Greenwich &c. [and] Sheet 3: Bromley, Blackwall &c.](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/80967.jpg)
