Saint Paul's from Bankside, Tombleson Thames View with Border, circa 1835

Saint Paul's Cathedral seen from Bankside across the Thames, an original antique steel engraving, uncolored, circa 1835. The caption, engraved in a small panel set into the border below the image, reads "S.t PAULS, FROM BANKSIDE."

The dome of Saint Paul's rises at the center above the warehouses and houses of the north bank, with the cathedral's western towers to its left and church spires further along the skyline. Its reflection runs down the still water. In the left foreground men work on moored barges and a timber raft, a sailing barge with its sail half lowered lies behind them, and an empty rowing boat sits at the bottom edge. To the right two men ride on rafts, a small boat with figures crosses the river and sailing barges move downstream. The image is framed by an engraved border of oak foliage, ribbons and scrolling leaves, crowned at the top by a shield with a cross between two winged dragons and a ribbon lettered "DOMINE DIRIGE NOS."

The credits below the image read "W. Tombleson del.t" at lower left (drawn by W. Tombleson) and "J. Tingle sc." at lower right (engraved by J. Tingle). The publisher's line at the foot of the border reads "Published by W. Tombleson & C.o 11 Paternoster Row."

The sheet comes from a dealer's album rather than from a bound set. The sheet is from William Tombleson's series of engraved views of the Thames, issued from 11 Paternoster Row in London. Saint Paul's was rebuilt to the design of Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of 1666, and the shield and motto at the top are the arms of the City of London.

Loss or wear at the bottom right corner. Light uneven toning, browner towards the edges. Minor edge wear, shallow nicks along the bottom and top.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed.