Gezicht op Queen Square te Londen 1789

Robert Pollard’s print depicts Queen Square in London, offering us a glimpse into the social life of the late 18th century. The image presents a carefully constructed vision of urban harmony and social order. Prints like this one served a crucial function in shaping perceptions of urban space. The buildings and inhabitants of Queen Square were presented as emblems of prosperity and social status. This imagery promoted an idea of urban life as refined, orderly, and distinctly upper class. Consider the social conditions that made this possible, London was a city undergoing rapid expansion and transformation, with new squares and residential developments catering to the wealthy elite. The image reflects the social hierarchies of the time, the figures are segregated by class, and their activities reflect the social norms of the period. Investigating 18th-century urban planning records and social commentaries will help to gain a better understanding of the social and institutional context that shaped Pollard's representation of Queen Square.