16th Sep, 2026 12:00
London | Ancient & Modern
21
MATTHÄUS MERIAN (SWISS 1593-1650)
A FINE PROSPECT OF JACOBEAN LONDON BEFORE THE GREAT FIRE, 17TH CENTURY
handcoloured etching on paper
23.4 x 69.8 cm
unframed
Matthäus Merian's prospect of London is one of the earliest topographical views of the city, as seen during during the reign of James I. Based on Claes Visscher's engraving from 1616, the work is annotated with a 43-point key underneath. It records London fifty years before the Great Fire of London of 1666, showing a northward view from the King's Palace at Whitehall to the Tower of London and St Katherine's Church in the East. The depiction of pre-fire London therefore still incorporates the medieval core of the city, with the old, gothic, St Paul's cathedral looming over the rest of the skyline, and thousands of buildings densely packed in. Fascinatingly London Bridge still has houses and shops across it, and the heads of criminals on stakes decorate the bridge's southern gate. Important points of reference such as Shakepeare's Globe, and the bull-baiting ring can be seen in Southwark, and Hackney and Hampstead are still just distant villages far from the city. This engraving is one of a very small number of views of London published before the Great Fire.
Sold for £3,000
A FINE PROSPECT OF JACOBEAN LONDON BEFORE THE GREAT FIRE, 17TH CENTURY
handcoloured etching on paper
23.4 x 69.8 cm
unframed
Matthäus Merian's prospect of London is one of the earliest topographical views of the city, as seen during during the reign of James I. Based on Claes Visscher's engraving from 1616, the work is annotated with a 43-point key underneath. It records London fifty years before the Great Fire of London of 1666, showing a northward view from the King's Palace at Whitehall to the Tower of London and St Katherine's Church in the East. The depiction of pre-fire London therefore still incorporates the medieval core of the city, with the old, gothic, St Paul's cathedral looming over the rest of the skyline, and thousands of buildings densely packed in. Fascinatingly London Bridge still has houses and shops across it, and the heads of criminals on stakes decorate the bridge's southern gate. Important points of reference such as Shakepeare's Globe, and the bull-baiting ring can be seen in Southwark, and Hackney and Hampstead are still just distant villages far from the city. This engraving is one of a very small number of views of London published before the Great Fire.
Auction: London | Ancient & Modern, 16th Sep, 2026
London is a city which has had a greater impact on culture around the world than almost any other, and it has never been more important than now to shine a light on its remarkable citizens and history. From Magna Carta to the television London has, again and again, been the source from which progress has radiated. The present sale takes us from a medieval spur found under Cannon Street station, to a medal minted to commemorate the Millennium, from prints and paintings, to clocks and pistols. This sale is a sensational opportunity to acquire a small piece of this incomparable place. Olympia is a proudly London-based auction house and we are thrilled to be offering the inaugural instalment of this sale.
Viewing
PUBLIC EXHIBITION:
Sunday 13th September: 12pm to 4pm
Monday 14th September: 10am to 8.00pm (Drinks from 5pm)
Tuesday 15th September: 10am to 5pm
