The History of St. Paul's Cathedral in London, From its Foundation until these Times

Art Historical Context

Published in 1658, *The History of St. Cathedral in London, From its Foundation until these Times is a landmark antiquarian work by Sir William Dugdale, a pioneering English historian dedicated to preserving the nation's architectural heritage. Collaborating with etcher Wenceslaus Hollar—a masterful Bohemian artist renowned for intricate topographical views—and publisher Warren, Dugdale chronicled the cathedral's evolution its 7th-century origins through medieval expansions to its Gothic splendor on the eve of catastrophe. This book captures St. Paul's as it stood before the Great Fire of London in 1666 razed the medieval structure, making it an invaluable historical record. The volume's etched illustrations, rendered with Hollar's precise line work, offer meticulous depictions of the cathedral's facade, interiors, and tombs, showcasing etching's power for detailed architectural documentation in the 17th century. Measuring a compact 13½ × 9 × 1⅛ inches, this rare book exemplifies the era's blend of scholarship and artistry, bridging history and visual storytelling. Today, housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (gift of Lewis R. Coulson, 2017), it reminds us how 17th-century minds safeguarded cultural treasures amid political turmoil—the English Civil War's aftermath—ensuring St. Paul's legacy endured for Christopher Wren's iconic rebuild. A testament to curiosity and craft!

About the Artist

Sir William Dugdale|Thomas Warren|Wenceslaus Hollar|Sir William Dugdale (British|Bohemian|British) · 1605 |1607 |1605 –1605 |1677 |1605

British, 1605–1686|Bohemian, Prague 1607–1677 London|British, 1605–1686