Two Views of Arundel House and London and the Thames as seen from the roof of Arundel House in 1646 1808

Richard Sayer’s print, "Two Views of Arundel House and London and the Thames as seen from the roof of Arundel House in 1646," presents three distinct registers meticulously rendered using etching techniques. The stark contrast of black ink on a light background emphasizes the architectural details and urban landscape. The print’s structure, divided into these registers, invites a comparative analysis of perspective and spatial representation. Each section offers a different viewpoint, challenging a singular, fixed interpretation of the city. The linear precision in depicting buildings, streets, and the Thames reveals a structured approach to capturing the urban environment. Sayer employs linear perspective to create a sense of depth, yet the composition remains somewhat flattened, reflecting the representational conventions of the period. This print underscores how formal elements such as line and composition can serve to dissect and reassemble our understanding of urban space, reflecting a broader cultural interest in mapping and categorizing the world.