View of London Bridge, from the west Leads of St. Mary Overy's Church in Southwark 1749

Editor: Samuel Buck's "View of London Bridge" is a marvel of detail. I'm struck by how the buildings seem to crowd the bridge itself, almost like a miniature city. What catches your eye in this piece? Curator: The bridge is a potent symbol, both a connection and a barrier. Note the layering of architectural styles. These reflect the city's evolving identity and its constant negotiation between tradition and modernity. Observe the ships, and how they evoke London’s role as a locus of global commerce. How do these symbols speak to you? Editor: I hadn't considered the bridge itself as a symbol of both connection and division. Thanks, that gives me a lot to think about! Curator: Indeed, art often holds multiple layers of meaning when we begin to interpret the symbolic content.