Beauvais Cathedral Engraving Vintage Wall Decor

This is an engraving by J. Carter of an original drawing by S. Prout. It features Beauvais Cathedral in Beauvais, Northern France. A traditional Gothic cathedral, Beauvais remains unfinished (only consisting of a choir, transept, and apse) due to collapsing beams. In the Gothic "arms-race" for impressive cathedral heights, Beauvais would have been the tallest cathedral in the world if not for faulty engineering. Construction was halted in 1573. This engraving is glued into the frame, and there appears to be some water damage on the left side. We are unsure whether this is an original or a copy. J. Carter, the engraver, lived from 1798-1855 but the frame does not seem to be from the 1800's. Engraving is an age-old printmaking technique in which a copper plate is cut into by a sharp burin. This is slightly different from etching, where the plate is covered in ground and then scratched away and dipped in acid to bite into the lines. In both methods, ink is rubbed into the depressions and printed with a press. Engraving enjoyed a resurgence in the mid-20th century, which is when this print appears to be from.

Condition:

It is in good vintage condition and ready to be hung.

Size:

Measures about 10.75 inches long and 8.5 inches wide.

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