S. Marie Overs in Southwarke (St. Mary Overy, now Southwark Cathedral) 1647

Wenceslaus Hollar created this detailed etching of S. Marie Overs in Southwarke, now Southwark Cathedral, capturing its architectural grandeur with precise lines. The work is a masterclass in perspective and detail. Notice how Hollar uses the etching technique to create a sense of depth and texture. The facade of the cathedral dominates the composition, its architectural elements meticulously rendered to convey a sense of scale and permanence. The intricate linework captures the light and shadow playing across the stone surfaces, giving the building a palpable sense of volume. The figures in the foreground, though small, provide a human scale to the imposing structure. Hollar’s choice to depict the cathedral from a slightly oblique angle allows the viewer to appreciate its complex structure, while the atmospheric rendering of the sky adds a sense of depth and realism to the scene. Hollar's work invites us to consider the interplay between architectural form and the social space it inhabits.