Gezicht op de Bank of England, Londen Possibly 1816 - 1818

This print of the Bank of England in London was created by Daniel Havell in the early 19th century. It’s a fascinating image, not just for its depiction of neoclassical architecture, but for what it suggests about the relationship between the institution and the public it served. Notice how the Bank isn't presented as separate from everyday life, the people going about their business in the foreground. The Bank of England was established in 1694, playing a pivotal role in financing Britain's imperial expansion. As such, its portrayal in art became a matter of national identity and economic stability. This view, with its emphasis on order and prosperity, is indicative of the bank’s projected image. To fully appreciate this work, we need to delve into the archives, newspapers, and economic treatises of the period. The historian’s task is to uncover the ideologies and power relations embedded in seemingly simple images.