Study for Fire in London, from Microcosm of London c. 1808

This pencil drawing, "Study for Fire in London, from Microcosm of London," by Augustus Charles Pugin, is a preliminary study for one of the plates in his iconic series, "Microcosm of London." The detailed sketch portrays a bustling scene with people and buildings in the foreground, while the background is dominated by the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral. This artwork showcases Pugin's keen eye for detail and architectural accuracy, capturing the intricate structures and bustling life of 19th-century London. "Microcosm of London" remains a valuable record of the city's architecture and social life, capturing a moment in time that would soon be swept away by rapid modernization.