Trade card for Nathaniell Ponder, Bookseller 1700 - 1800

This 18th-century trade card, featuring an intricate engraving of a peacock, served as an advertisement for Nathaniell Ponder, a bookseller based in London. The card's design, typical of the period, showcases the peacock's striking plumage, a symbol of beauty and pride, reflecting the quality and prestige associated with Ponder's bookstore. The inscription at the bottom, "London Printed. for Nathaniell Ponder at y Peacock in Chancery lane," provides essential details about the bookseller and his location. The card, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of 18th-century bookselling and its visual culture.