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Description
Title: South West View of the Tower of London
Artist: Samuel & Nathaniel Buck
Publication: Views of Ruins of Castles & Abbeys in England
Date: 1726-1739
Print Type: Copper Plate engravings, hand colored after
Condition: VG
Size: 18.5” x 11”
Code: A369
Description: In 1726, two brothers, Samuel Buck (1696-1779) and his younger brother Nathaniel began the massive undertaking to illustrate the remains of Castles, Monasteries, Palaces, estates and ancient monuments in England and Wales. “Buck’s Views” as they were called became a bank of over 400 engravings of local buildings across the two countries. They were printed and sold individually and collected into volumes for book purchasers. Over 30 years they produced 428 of these views. As the brothers became more experienced, their plates included figures and incidents to add human interest. They also produced views of British towns, some of which, such as the South West Prospect of Birmingham are justly famous.
Despite their shortcomings as works of art, Samuel and Nathaniel Buck produced the most comprehensive engravings of local scenes in the mid 18th century. Some have long explanatory captions that help to illuminate the scenes. Their interests were not in economic activity, though some of their prints provide glimpses of more than ancient monuments. These antique prints are original 1730’s prints from copper engravings that were hand colored after publication. The engravings are in very good condition with bright coloring, age toning to paper primarily in the margins.
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; "Bucks - West View Tower of London")