Gezicht op het dorp Shepperton 1752

John Boydell made this print of Shepperton, in England, using etching and engraving techniques. Prints like these, which were often hand colored, popularized landscape views of England in the 18th century. This image creates meaning through a careful arrangement of elements. The river is the central thoroughfare. Note the horses, the sailing boats, and the figures in the foreground. How does Boydell portray England's social hierarchy? How are they positioned in relation to each other and the landscape? Landscape prints of this period served multiple functions. They fueled a growing interest in the English countryside and also served as a form of social commentary. These landscapes often reflected the values and aspirations of the upper and middle classes. To fully appreciate this print, we can explore its historical context. Researching the economic activities of Shepperton, as well as the cultural values associated with landscape imagery in 18th-century England, can offer a deeper understanding of this work.