Gezicht op het binnenhof van het postkantoor in Londen 1720 - 1731

Sutton Nicholls created this print of the courtyard of the London General Post Office sometime between 1688 and 1729. What's immediately striking is the way this image elevates a functional building to the level of high art, reminiscent of depictions of royal palaces or government buildings. Consider the social and political context: in the 17th and 18th centuries, postal services were becoming increasingly important for trade, communication, and the administration of empires. By depicting this post office with such care and attention to architectural detail, Nicholls emphasizes its importance as a central institution in London. The print suggests that the post office is not just a place for sending letters but is a symbol of power, progress, and social order. To fully understand a work like this, we can consult period maps, postal records, and architectural surveys. In doing so, we might learn more about the social function of the institution, and gain a deeper understanding of its status in the cultural imagination of the time.