Visscher's view of London, 1616 (C036/9328) Posters and Art Prints

Visscher's view of London, 1616. Known as the Visscher panorama, this artwork was engraved by Dutch artist and map-maker Claes Visscher (1586-1652). The view dates from around 1600 and shows central London as it was before the Great Fire of London. The engraving was published in Amsterdam in 1616, under the title: 'Londinum Florentissima Britanniae Urbs Toto Orbe Celeberrimum Emporiumque'. This view looks north from Southwark on the south bank. Prominent features include Old St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, and the houses on Old London Bridge, then the only bridge across the Thames in London. Many church spires are shown, and ships and boats on the river.