Accurate Perspective View of the Inside of the Royal Exchange, in London.

This famous view shows the cloistered courtyard of the Royal Exchange designed by Sir Christopher Wren. It illustrates the business of trading stocks. Semi caricatured traders and merchants are gathered in pairs and small groups, to exchange news and gossip and make deals. Some, such as the bearded Jew included in a group on the right, the turbaned Turk engaged in conversation in the centre and a solitary Cossack, are attired in exotic costumes indicating their foreign origins. Dogs play in the foreground and in the background, presiding over the scene, stands the Belfry; a prominent London landmark. This view, dedicated to William Pitt, shows the second building erected on the site, built by Edward Jarman in 1667-9. This building burnt down in 1838 and was replaced by the present classical Exchange by Sir William Tite.