Engraving (2001.36)

Handcolored copperplate engraving of Charleston, South Carolina after a 1739 engraving by W. H. Toms and watercolor painting (ca 1737) by Bishop Roberts; eastern view of the city of Charleston, S.C. as seen from the Cooper River; a long red tinged ribbon on which the title is written is centered in the sky above the town; at least fifty-two private houses and eight public buildings are shown; public buildings identified with letters of the alphabet; numerous boats pictured in the river; figures on shoreline depicted in lower left.

Provenance Narrative
Appeared in the London Magazine, 1762.

Bishop Roberts had arrived in Charleston by 1735 and advertised he would undertake portrait painting, and engraving as well as house painting (South Carolina Gazette, May 17-24, 1735). After Bishop Roberts died in 1739, his wife Mary continued his business, and was probably America's first woman miniaturist.

Place Made
England, London

Signatures/Marks
An Exact Prospect of Charlestown, The Metropolis of the Province of SOUTH CAROLINA (printed at the top of the print); Engrav'd for the London Magazine (printed at top)