A Thames Wharf
Oil Painting
ca. 1757 (painted)
ca. 1757 (painted)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
Samuel Scott (1702?-1772) and other artists began to paint views of the River Thames after Antonio Canaletto (1697-1768) arrived from Venice in 1746. The Italian became the most famous and successful painter of London riverside scenes, and British artists soon followed his example.
Subjects Depicted
London began in ancient times as a small settlement next to a crossing point of the Thames, and until the mid-19th century the river was still the main route through which all the trading wealth flowed into the City. The docks were literally the gateway to the world, filled with a huge mass of shipping. London has changed so much since the 18th century that it is now difficult to identify the exact location shown in this picture. There is some evidence that it represents the Old East India Wharf, as there is the mark 'UEIC' (United East India Company) on a bale. Therefore the traditional title of this painting may be correct. There were many such wharves on the Thames, with their wooden treadmill cranes for unloading the merchandise.
People
Samuel Scott was a marine painter and a drinking companion of William Hogarth (1697-1762). He was commissioned by merchants, sea captains and naval officers to paint pictures of riverside and sea scenes and naval engagements.
Samuel Scott (1702?-1772) and other artists began to paint views of the River Thames after Antonio Canaletto (1697-1768) arrived from Venice in 1746. The Italian became the most famous and successful painter of London riverside scenes, and British artists soon followed his example.
Subjects Depicted
London began in ancient times as a small settlement next to a crossing point of the Thames, and until the mid-19th century the river was still the main route through which all the trading wealth flowed into the City. The docks were literally the gateway to the world, filled with a huge mass of shipping. London has changed so much since the 18th century that it is now difficult to identify the exact location shown in this picture. There is some evidence that it represents the Old East India Wharf, as there is the mark 'UEIC' (United East India Company) on a bale. Therefore the traditional title of this painting may be correct. There were many such wharves on the Thames, with their wooden treadmill cranes for unloading the merchandise.
People
Samuel Scott was a marine painter and a drinking companion of William Hogarth (1697-1762). He was commissioned by merchants, sea captains and naval officers to paint pictures of riverside and sea scenes and naval engagements.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | A Thames Wharf (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | oil on canvas |
| Brief description | Oil painting by Samuel Scott depicting The Old East India Wharf, London. Great Britain, ca. 1757. |
| Physical description | This picture vividly depicts how London's maritime trade was handled at the riverside wharfs and quays. Much interesting detail is included in the picture notably the tread-mill crane. The figures at work and in conversation around the quay have about them a liveliness and spontaneity. The location of the scene is not problematic. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
The large size of the ships and the mark 'UEIC' on the bale in the foreground indicates that this picture is supposed to depict one of the Thameside wharves of the United East India Company, which controlled Britain's trade to and from India and other Asian countries. However, although the picture is closely observed, it is not based on any particular location but combines a range of real and imagined views.(27/03/2003) |
| Object history | Purchased, 1865 Painted in London by Samuel Scott (born in London, about 1702, died in Bath, 1772) |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Places depicted | |
| Summary | Object Type Samuel Scott (1702?-1772) and other artists began to paint views of the River Thames after Antonio Canaletto (1697-1768) arrived from Venice in 1746. The Italian became the most famous and successful painter of London riverside scenes, and British artists soon followed his example. Subjects Depicted London began in ancient times as a small settlement next to a crossing point of the Thames, and until the mid-19th century the river was still the main route through which all the trading wealth flowed into the City. The docks were literally the gateway to the world, filled with a huge mass of shipping. London has changed so much since the 18th century that it is now difficult to identify the exact location shown in this picture. There is some evidence that it represents the Old East India Wharf, as there is the mark 'UEIC' (United East India Company) on a bale. Therefore the traditional title of this painting may be correct. There were many such wharves on the Thames, with their wooden treadmill cranes for unloading the merchandise. People Samuel Scott was a marine painter and a drinking companion of William Hogarth (1697-1762). He was commissioned by merchants, sea captains and naval officers to paint pictures of riverside and sea scenes and naval engagements. |
| Bibliographic reference | 100 Great Paintings in The Victoria & Albert Museum. London: V&A, 1985, p.66
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| Other number | 1-1866 - Previous number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | FA.249[O] |
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| Record created | December 15, 1999 |
| Record URL |
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