Views of Arundel House
By HOLLAR, W[enceslaus] [after] Adam A. BIERLING , 1646
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Aula Domus Arrundeliana Londini, Meridiem versus [and] Aula Domus Arrundeliana Londini, septentrionem versus

British Isles London
  • Author: HOLLAR, W[enceslaus] [after] Adam A. BIERLING
  • Publication date: 1646.
  • Physical description: Two etchings views, trimmed to platemark.
  • Dimensions: 82 by 190mm. (3.25 by 7.5 inches).
  • Inventory reference: 18360

Notes

Located on the Strand, Arundel House was an extravagant town-house, more akin to a small palace, that belonged to the Bishops of Bath and Wells before being confiscated by Henry VIII during the Dissolution of the Monasteries and subsequently passed through the hands of various noblemen. Wenceslaus Hollar made two prints of Arundel House in 1646, perhaps spurred by death of Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel, whose family maintained the palace until its destruction. In fact, Hollar had stayed at the House himself, the Earl being a great patron of the arts and having a keen eye for promising young talent.

The present print shows the complex from the north; it was ??drawn by Adam Alexius Bierling, a draughtsman and art dealer active in Antwerp during the mid-seventeenth century, and engraved by Hollar. Looking on to the courtyard of the house, there are men standing in and walking or riding through the square, as well as a coach being prepared with six horses. On the right- and left-hand sides the buildings have dormer windows in the roofs, and in the background smoke pours from chimneys. Through a gap in the rooftops a stretch of the Thames is just visible, complete with a small vessel.

The second print shows to house from the south, with numerous men are crossing the square or are gathered there in conversation, all wearing hats and cloaks. A coach and two horses stand outside the house to the left, with another man on horseback outside the entrance to the stables on the right. Looking northwards other tall structures can be seen along the seventeenth century London skyline.

Bibliography

  1. NHG Hollar 862, 863
  2. Pennington 1034 and 1035
  3. BM 1880,1113.2929 and BM 1880,1113.2931.

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