16th to 19th Century Antique Maps, Prints, & Globes

22.05 - La Communion des Anglicans a Saint Paul, 1736, by J. Van Schley, Amsterdam

The engraving is one of the few visual records of an ordinary service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, in the early 18^th century.  The view shows the taking of communion and demonstrates the strict separation of the sexes at that time.  Clergy in residence (but not officiating) sit in the lower stalls at the left, with other men filling the remaining stalls.  Women are relegated to the upper sections.  There were also separate entrances for women.  The print is rated Excellent [see our rating criteria on the Home Page] a good sharp impression on a bright sheet with only minor age spots noted.  The print measures approximately (16.1″ x 12.5″  – 40.9 x 31.8 cm).