Gezicht op de London Bridge over de rivier de Theems te Londen, gezien vanaf de tuin van Somerset House Possibly 1750 - 1758

Robert Sayer created this print of London Bridge and the Thames River in the mid-18th century using etching and watercolor. These are intaglio printmaking techniques, where the image is incised into a metal plate and then filled with ink to create a print. The etching process involves covering a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. The artist then scratches an image into the ground with a needle, exposing the metal. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. It is the controlled corrosion caused by the acid which gives the medium its particular character. The application of watercolor adds another layer of craftsmanship, softening the lines and adding depth. The scene depicts the bustling activity of the Thames, full of boats facilitating maritime trade, while in the background, the iconic skyline of London emerges, dominated by the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral. This print offers a window into a society powered by labor and trade. In understanding this artwork, it’s important to recognize the hand-made processes that played a crucial role in shaping our modern world.