B55. The Swan Theatre circa 1596

In 1596, a Dutchman, Johannes de Witt attended a play at the Swan Theatre, in Southwark, and made a drawing of the theatre. A friend, Arend van Buchell, copied the drawing and this copy is the sketch shown here. The authenticity of its detail and exact significance is much debated. From the University Library, Utrecht, ms.842.f.132r.