Burgis, William
William Burgis (fl 1718 - 1731) was an English-American artist: in papers he was referred to as a draftsman, painter, and (through marriage) an innkeeper; he was also known to be a printer and even an engraver. His early life is not understood. He is thought to have arrived in New York from England about 1718, leaving for Boston in 1722. Neither marriage nor innkeeping seem to have agreed with him: he left Boston, wife, and the historical record in 1731. With the exception of one map, his surviving output appears to have been uniformly landscapes and topographical views. He is best known for his large view of New York, engraved by John Harris in London and published between 1719 and 1721.
One of the Earliest Acquirable Views of New York City.
The South Prospect of the City of New York, in America.
$5,500.00
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This is a superb example of the 1761 London Magazine edition of the famous Burgis view of New York City, one of the earliest generally acquirable dedicated views of the city. The bustling, nautical view shows the city as viewed from Brooklyn Heights. It illustrates from the battery in the south to the stockade of Wall Street. The East River teems with sailing ships, including three great warships. Fort George, the Exchange, City Hall, and a variety of churches can be seen, along with a shipyard. The Long Island terminus of the ferry across the East River is visible in the foreground. (more details)