Trafalgar Square 1850 - 1900

This anonymous photograph, “Trafalgar Square,” dates to sometime between 1850 and 1900 and captures the iconic London landmark in its early years. The image showcases the Nelson’s Column, a towering monument to the British naval hero Horatio Nelson, with its iconic figure atop. The photograph, held at The Art Institute of Chicago, offers a glimpse into the evolving urban landscape of London during the mid-19th century. Its focus on the square’s architecture and the presence of a fountain at its center highlights the area’s development as a public space. The photograph’s documentary style, showcasing the square in its everyday context, serves as a valuable record of the city’s history.