-
A Triumphal arch
Harrison, stephen - Enlarge image
A Triumphal arch
- Object:
Print
- Place of origin:
London, England (published)
- Date:
1604 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Harrison, stephen (designer)
William Kip (engraver) - Materials and Techniques:
Engraving, ink on paper
- Museum number:
14006
- Gallery location:
British Galleries, room 56e, case 6
Object Type
This print is an engraving, an image made by cutting lines into the surface of a flat piece of metal, inking the plate and then transferring the ink held in the lines onto a sheet of paper.
Subject Depicted
This print records one of the seven temporary wooden triumphal arches built for a formal procession by James I (ruled 1603-1625) through the City of London in 1604. This arch was erected over Fenchurch Street and took more than 40 days to build. It may not have looked exactly like the print because there are some discrepancies between its representation here and contemporary written descriptions of it. In the accompanying text the writer conjures up the atmosphere on the day: 'The gladsome and long-desired Morning at length is come, In which the Streetes seem to be paved with people, that in heapes flocke together'.
Trading
This print was part of a publication called The Arch's of Triumph Erected in honor of the High and mighty prince, James, the first of that name, King, of England, and sixth of Scotland, at his Maiesties Entrance and passage through his Honorable Citty & chamber of London. The City of London had paid for five of the seven temporary arches. They subsidised this publication to ensure that there would be a permanent record of their magnificent gesture.
