Zicht op St Paul's Cathedral in Londen 1855 - 1856

Louis Jules Arnout made this print of Saint Paul's Cathedral in London at some point in the mid-19th century. It captures both the grandeur of the cathedral's architecture and the bustling street life around it. The print offers insight into the social conditions of Victorian London. We see horse-drawn carts and people going about their daily business, which reminds us of the city's economic activity and the labor required to sustain it. St Paul's monumental architecture reflects the power of religious institutions within London’s cultural landscape, while the presence of ordinary citizens suggests a shared public space. To fully appreciate this artwork, we can consult historical records of London’s urban development, religious history, and the socio-economic conditions of the time. By connecting the artwork to its wider social and institutional context, we gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance.