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Georgian British Copperplate Engraving: “The West Prospect of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s, London”

By: Attributed to John (Jean) Simon (1675–1751); published by Thomas Bowles, St. Paul’s Churchyard, London

Style: Georgian; British architectural copperplate engraving

Origin: England (United Kingdom)

Materials: Copperplate line engraving in black ink on laid paper (framed under glass)

Age: Plate circa 1710–1735; this impression undetermined (could be 18th-century or a later 19th/20th-century reissue/facsimile)

Condition: Very good (even age toning and slight waviness; details obscured by glazing; not examined out of frame)

Value: $150–400 at auction (period 18th-century impression could reach $300–600; modern reproduction $40–120)

Maker's Marks / Writing: Lower center in script: “The West Prospect of the Cathedral Church of S. Paul’s, London.” Lower left (publisher): “Sold by Thomas Bowles in St. Paul’s Church Yard” (reading consistent though partially obscured). Lower right (engraver): “I. (J.) Simon sculp.” Top margin in ornamental Latin script (partially legible): “Ecclesiae Cathedralis S. Pauli Londini … Prospectus Orthographica …” A small modern-looking caption below the title reads: “Jean (or John) Simon (1675–1751). The West Front of St. Paul’s Cathedral.” which likely belongs to the mount or mat rather than the original plate.

Date: 2025-10-05 14:14:27.434955

Description:

Large architectural elevation engraving of the west front of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, showing the full façade with twin bell towers and central dome, rendered in fine line work with calligraphic titling. The sheet bears long script captions in English and a Latin heading, and appears to have been published by Thomas Bowles (St. Paul’s Churchyard). The plate is attributed to John (Jean) Simon (1675–1751), noted in the imprint as “I. (J.) Simon sculp.” Typical of early 18th-century British architectural prints on laid paper.

Curator Questions

Curated by Jade

Assessment:

A well-known architectural print of the west front of St. Paul’s Cathedral, widely issued in the early Georgian period by Bowles. Your example shows the classic calligraphic title “The West Prospect of the Cathedral Church of S. Paul’s, London.” and a likely “I. Simon sculp.” credit, consistent with John (Jean) Simon’s engraved work. Without examining the sheet out of the frame for a plate mark, laid paper chain lines, and a watermark, the exact date of this impression cannot be confirmed. A word about fakes.. Antique architectural engravings are heavily reproduced; many 19th- and 20th-century restrikes and photo-lithographic facsimiles exist. Look for a palpable plate impression and laid paper to support an 18th-century printing. If confirmed as an original 18th-century impression with good margins, it is a desirable Georgian print; if a later reproduction, it retains decorative value.

Individual Images:

whole item

Provenance:

No documented provenance provided.

Condition:

Very good (even age toning and slight waviness; details obscured by glazing; not examined out of frame)

Identification Score: 90%

The subject, title text, and publisher imprint point clearly to the famous West Prospect of St. Paul’s Cathedral published by Bowles, with an engraver credit consistent with John (Jean) Simon. Architectural details and calligraphic titling match documented examples.

Authenticity Score: 45%

The plate is authentic to the early 18th century, but the date of this specific impression is uncertain from photos alone. The frame prevents verification of a plate mark, laid paper, and watermark; also, the presence of a modern caption suggests it could be a later reproduction or a reissue.

Image Memory Note

Framed black-and-white architectural engraving showing the full west elevation of St. Paul’s Cathedral with the central dome and twin flanking towers, statues along the balustrade, clock faces on both towers, and a deep portico at ground level. Wide blank margins surround the image. Bottom margin bears a large calligraphic English title: “The West Prospect of the Cathedral Church of S. Paul’s, London.” In the lower left margin, small italic text reads (as visible): “Sold by Thomas Bowles in St. Paul’s Church Yard.” In the lower right margin, small italic text reads: “I. Simon sculp.” (the initial appears as I/J). The very top margin shows an elegant Latin heading with flourishes: likely “Ecclesiae Cathedralis S. Pauli Londini [ad Occidentem] Prospectus Orthographica [Descriptio]” (parts obscured by glare). A separate, modern-looking small caption centered beneath the calligraphic title states: “Jean (or John) Simon (1675–1751). The West Front of St. Paul’s Cathedral.” Paper tone is warm cream with overall even toning; faint ripples/waviness visible from framing; no tears visible; potential light foxing not clearly discernible due to glass reflections. No visible watermark due to framing; plate impression not clearly visible. Frame is simple dark molding under glass with reflections on right half of the image.

Keywords

Georgian engraving, St. Paul’s Cathedral, John (Jean) Simon, Thomas Bowles, British architectural print, London, copperplate, 18th century

Report ID:  : nppr6x

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