Catalog Archive
Auction 131, Lot 522

"The North Prospect of the City of Edenburgh", Slezer, John

Subject: Edinburgh, Scotland

Period: 1719 (circa)

Publication: Theatrum Scotiae

Color: Black & White

Size:
42.2 x 17.5 inches
107.2 x 44.5 cm
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This magnificent panoramic view of Edinburgh is from one of the most important early works dedicated to Scotland. Viewed from Calton Hill to the north with Edinburgh Castle on the right and the Palace of Holyrood on the left. Salisbury Crags and Arthur's Seat are in the left background. Some of the buildings that dominate the skyline still survive today; along the Royal Mile (High Street) is St Giles's Cathedral, Tron Kirk, Canongate Tolbooth (with a conical spire) and Canongate Kirk, and the T-shaped Queensberry House. In the lower right foreground, beside Trinity College Kirk, is the Edinburgh Physic Garden (present-day Royal Botanic Garden). This splendid view is often referred to as the Queen Anne View, because of the bold dedication to the Queen at the bottom of the engraving. It was probably drafted around 1690 but did not appear in the Theatrum Scotiae until the 1719 edition. Printed on two-joined sheets, as issued.

References:

Condition: A+

A very fine example with a sharp impression and wide original margins.

Estimate: $2,300 - $2,750

Sold for: $1,700

Closed on 3/17/2010

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