The South West Prospect of the University, and City of Oxford

Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (1696 - 1779)

Engraving

1731

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Image of The South West Prospect of the University, and City of Oxford
  • About the work
    Location
    Country: Belarus
    City: Minsk
    Place: British Embassy

    This view or ‘prospect’ of Oxford shows the historic city as it was in the early 18th century. The view is dominated by the towers and spires of the many religious and academic buildings of Oxford. Above each, there is a number which refers to the key below.

    This panorama is part of a series of prospects of England and Wales, produced by brothers Samuel and Nathaniel Buck between 1728 and 1753. The brothers undertook tours around England and Wales every year, producing detailed views of the locations they visited. They would typically plan their travels carefully, advertising their work in the local press of the places they intended to visit before arriving, in the hope of attracting potential subscribers. The prospects were published over a number of years and were made available to non-subscribers only after all the impressions had been collected.

    The south-west prospect of Oxford was taken from North Hinksey Hill from where many of the city’s familiar landmarks could be viewed.

  • About the artist
    Brothers Samuel and Nathaniel Buck made their names as leading British topographical draughtsmen of the 18th century. Over a period of 34 years, the Bucks produced several hundred drawings and engravings, including 87 engraved prospects of England and Wales. These are now important visual records of the appearance of British urban landscapes prior to the changes that occurred during the Industrial Revolution. In some cases, the places depicted have since disappeared or changed beyond recognition.
  • Explore
    Places
    England, Oxfordshire
    Subjects
    topography, townscape/cityscape, tree, river, hill, college, coat of arms, university, house, church, cathedral, spire, tower
    Materials & Techniques
    engraving
  • Details
    Artist
    Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (1696 - 1779)
    Title
    The South West Prospect of the University, and City of Oxford
    Date
    1731
    Medium
    Engraving
    Acquisition
    Purchased from Parker Gallery, October 1970
    GAC number
    9011