London Bridge c. 19th century

Stephen Parrish made this print of London Bridge using etching, a technique that utilizes acid to create lines in a metal plate, sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. As a late 19th-century American artist, Parrish found in London a subject that spoke to the era's fascination with industry and the power of the British Empire. The scene depicts the bustling River Thames with its ships and working boats, all set against the backdrop of the iconic London Bridge. In this period, the Thames was the heart of London’s commerce, and the bridge was more than just a crossing. It symbolized connection, trade, and the forward march of progress. To truly understand a piece like this, historians might look at shipping records, trade statistics, and even social commentaries of the time to better understand what the River Thames meant to Londoners. The image offers us insights into the social and economic structures that defined London and the United Kingdom at the height of its influence.