'Over London-by Rail', engraving, London, England, 1872
Engraved by Gustav Doré (1832-1883), this is one of 180 prints from his work entitled London: A pilgrimage, first published in 1872. The print shows an overcrowded tenement block with washing in the back gardens and a railway in the distance. Doré was accused of focussing on the ‘commonest’ and ‘vulgar’ parts of the city. One theory at this time was that dirt, overcrowding and bad smells in the air caused disease. This appeared to offer a reason why poorer areas of towns and cities were more susceptible to disease.
Object number:
1987-201/2
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: print
Pictorial works produced by transferring images by means of a matrix such as a plate, block, or screen, using any of various printing processes. When emphasizing the individual printed image, use "impressions." Avoid the controversial expression "original prints," except in reference to discussions of the expression's use. If prints are neither "reproductive prints" nor "popular prints," use just "prints."