Gezicht op Somerset House en de kerk Saint Mary-le-Strand te Londen 1745 - 1775

Jean-François Daumont made this print of Somerset House and Saint Mary-le-Strand Church in London. The print presents a view of London during a time of significant social stratification. Notice how the grand architecture dominates the skyline, while the figures on the street are rendered on a smaller scale. Here Daumont highlights the divide between the wealthy and the working class within the urban landscape. Carriages and pedestrians populate the scene, alluding to the bustling streets of London. However, their interactions with the architecture are stilted. There is an emotional distance between the people and the buildings that mirrors the social realities of the time. The church and Somerset House—a symbol of royal authority—stand as imposing backdrops, reinforcing the social structure. Through this scene, Daumont subtly critiques the lack of integration between different social classes in London. It’s a reminder of how urban planning and architecture can reflect and perpetuate social inequality.