Artwork
A Young CROCODILE drawn from the Life in LONDON, October. 1739.
A Young CROCODILE drawn from the Life in LONDON, October. 1739. is a print by the Baroque artist Lampriere, C.. It dates from 1739 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 1739 print, titled 'A Young CROCODILE drawn from the Life in LONDON, October.
About this work
The title says this crocodile was drawn from life in London in 1739—though it’s hard to imagine one swimming in the Thames!
This print shows a giant crocodile half in water, half on land, with its mouth wide open. Behind it, a ship sails on a calm sea, and a small town sits on a hill in the distance. The sky is light, with a few clouds, and a tree leans over the crocodile’s head.
The title says this crocodile was drawn from life in London in 1739—though it’s hard to imagine one swimming in the Thames! The artist, Lampriere, used simple lines and shading to make the scene dramatic.
If you like this odd mix of animals and landscapes, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum for more prints like this.
Overview
This 1739 print, titled 'A Young CROCODILE drawn from the Life in LONDON, October. 1739', is a colored depiction of a crocodile in a coastal scene. The artwork combines an exotic animal with a European landscape, raising questions about its representation.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows a young crocodile in profile, set against a backdrop of cliffs, a fortified building, and figures. The inclusion of sailing ships and a coastal town adds to the scene's complexity, potentially symbolizing the intersection of nature and human activity.
Technique & Style
The artist, Lampriere, employed simple lines and shading to create a dramatic scene. The use of color adds depth to the image, while the composition balances the crocodile with its surroundings.
History & Provenance
The print was likely included in 'A new General Collection of Voyages and Travels' by Thomas Astley and John Green, published around 1745–47. The image's title claims the crocodile was drawn from life in London in 1739, a claim that has sparked curiosity.
Artist & collection
Artist
London in 1739 needed to see a croc or gator like this. C. Lampriere drew two lifelike prints that month: *A Young ALLIGATOR drawn from the Life in LONDON* and its twin *A Young CROCODILE drawn from the Life in LONDON*.…
