Antiques & Collectables
Lot 133:
Description
This pair of early 18th-century hand-colored engravings features bird’s-eye architectural views after Leonard Knyff (1650–1722), engraved by Johannes Kip (1653–1722), likely from the series Britannia Illustrata first published in 1707. The first print depicts Burlington House in Pickadilly, showing the grand estate with formal gardens, a central courtyard, and figures with various horse-drawn carriages. The second print depicts Somerset House, labeled la Maison de SOMERSET, viewed from across the River Thames with a foreground filled with sailing vessels, barges, and rowing boats. Both prints contain the inscriptions L. Knyff Del. at the lower left and I. Kip Sculp at the lower right. The Somerset House print additionally includes the text Printed & Sold by J. Smith at ye Sign of Exeter Change in ye Strand at the bottom right corner. These works are copperplate engravings executed with precise lines characteristic of the burin technique. Plate marks are partially visible near the frame edges. Hand-coloring has been applied to the architectural, landscape, and figurative elements. Each print is housed in a matching black wooden frame featuring a gilded beaded inner border.
Share this lot:
