This is an attractive and early view showing part of the New Town of Edinburgh. The view is taken from Registrar House and looks along the East End of Princes Street towards Edinburgh Castle.
To the left are a couple of Georgian townhouse buildings. They occupy the space which would later be occupied by the iconic Balmoral Hotel. In the middle of the scene you can see Edinburgh Castle and the Castle Rock. The "Earthen Mound" is below the Castle. It has not yet been developed and it is shown before the Gallery buildings occupy the site. The Mound remains still very much a primitive causeway from the Old to the New Town. These early views of the Mound and this corner of Princes Street are quite rare and you more often find this view depicted from higher up from the top of Calton Hill.
This early 19th century image was engraved by James Fittler after the original drawing made by John Claude Nattes (1765 - 1839). It was published by T. Bensley in 1804. The image has been hand-coloured and the colouring is original to the artwork.
The engraving was originally published in the book: "Scotia Depicta; or, the Antiquities, Castles, Public Buildings, Noblemen and Gentlemen's Seats, Cities, Towns, and Picturesque Scenery of Scotland". The Napoleonic Wars at this time impacted on foreign travel to the Continent and people chose to stay at home and travel around landmarks in the UK instead. This led to a boom in the publication of topographical views and guide books for tourists.
Dimensions: The frame size is 33.5 x 39.5 cm. The image is 18.5 x 24.8 cm.
We are selling this work framed and it has be new acid-free window mount. It is all ready to go straight onto your wall. The print is an original Georgian issue, with original colouring and is in good antique condition. It is in a good quality frame made of black wood with gold decoration and highlights. All of this is reflected in my asking price.
It will have to be sent to you with Parcelforce24 - this will be about £10 and applied to your order at the checkout.