The Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s in London

Location

Country: Holy See
City: Vatican City
Place: British Embassy

Architect William Emmett was known to have designed and engraved a series of grand folio engravings of the architectural section of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. The image shows a section of the Cross Aisle from North to South with a Prospect of the Choir and the dome placed in the centre. Elegantly dressed  figures can be seen in the foreground. Their tiny stature emphasises the height and the grandeur of the interior.

William Emmett, architect and draughtsman, was the eldest son of Maurice Emmett (c.1646-1684). He was baptised at St. Margret's Church, Westminster. In 1702 Emmett produced a series of engravings of St. Paul's Cathedral, which were published from a house in New Street, London, owned by Emmett’s younger brother (also named Maurice). Emmett and his wife were painted by the Flemish painter, resident in London, Balthasar van Lemens (1637-1704). Lemens was also commissioned to produce religious paintings and a ceiling painting, depicting the nine muses, for Emmett’s house in Bromley.

Places

England, London, St. Paul's Cathedral, City of London

Subjects

topography, cathedral, transept, dome, coffering, religious/ecclesiastical interior

Materials & Techniques

engraving, coloured engraving

Artist

William Emmett

Title

The Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s in London

Date

Medium

Coloured engraving

Acquisition

Purchased 1947-1948

GAC number

499