I have 8 similar prints they are all framed with the same frame, but the frame is not great, generally the frames are intact, but in shabby condition. I think it is possible that these came from a collection of views of London once it was rebuilt after the great fire. Interestingly they all have a number printed on them in the corner, so maybe a book. I am not sure.

I do not know the exact dates of these, whether they are originals or later copies, they certainly have age though.

THIS ONE IS:

Engraving from 1736 after Arnoldus van Haecken

  • Inscription content: Lettered above image with title, below in a round frame: "The wonders of ye deep often attempted and never perform'd but by Arnold Vanhaecken 1736", surrounded by verse about the market beginning: "Where Great Belinus held his Court of Old, Oisters are now obstreperously sold..."; the plate numbered at left.

Satire on Billingsgate market with crowds of fish-sellers and their customers. On the left is a group consisting of two fish-wives who examine a large fish that a man is offering them, another woman arranges eels in her basket, two men stand behind her, one drinking from a tankard, and another man walks to right raising his left hand while he carries what appears to be a tray under his right arm; to the right of this group stands a man with a basket on his back, and another basket filled with oysters in his hand; a dog leaps forward in front of him. Behind them a quack doctor sits on a horse holding a box of medicines and waving pearl that he has found in an oyster; his zany is blowing a trumpet while his horse grabs at hay on a passing cart. Three dogs run forward, the leading one with a bottle tied to its tail upsets a man who falls backwards against a fishwife knocking her basket to the ground; she holds up an eel; a man and two young women are startled by the accident. In the centre foreground, an elderly fish-porter holding a large basket on his shoulders looks at the viewer. To the right, a group cluster around an oyster-seller's stall, an elegantly dressed man puts an oyster to his mouth while behind him a mischievous sailor, wearing loose breeches, ties a fish to his queue; a seated man raises his hands, apparently in horror. Behind this group, a man leans over a woman's shoulder to take hold of her breast. Two Dutch sailors, one smoking a pipe, stroll behind; two fish-traders converse and an elegant couple observe the scene. In the background, on the left, is a large tavern, with the arms of the Vintner's Company over the door and the sign of cannon, outside which a man approaches a woman who appears to reject him. In the centre, is a wooden booth with a chimney and a raised flap and to the right a railed off area in which a constable appears to be arresting a man, and others engage in business. On the right, is a building with fish shops on the ground floor, and beyond a long row of buildings with a colonnade. Ships are anchored and unloading at the quay; a group of people, to left, include a boy playing an instrument composed of a bladder and string. The south bank of the Thames is visible in the distance; 

CONDITION: Reasonably nice, no particular issues.

Please see photos for measurements. 

Dispatched with Royal Mail, if you are overseas please contact me first to discuss postage prices and/or viability as there are some things I would prefer not to send abroad due to fragility.

 

I love vintage and unusual items and much of what I sell comes from my own collections as I love to keep things for a while and pass them on for others to enjoy.

 

PLEASE BEAR IN MIND that whilst I have done my best to give a fair and accurate description of this item, please note I do not claim to be an expert in any of the items being offered just someone who appreciates lovely things, therefore all dates and descriptions are only my opinion and should not be taken as statements of fact. Do look carefully at the photographs as all my items are vintage and are often not perfect.


On the rare occasion something may get damaged when wrapping or I may find damage that I did not notice when I listed. If this happens I will immediately contact buyer.

 

If you have any questions about it please Email me and ask before bidding and I will do my best to answer them.

Please be fair to me and all eBay sellers and at least give us a chance to fix problems before you leave negative feedback or open cases, if you contact me I WILL sort it out somehow.