Artwork

The Thames, Off Gravesend

The Thames, Off Gravesend, by David Cox, watercolor, 1820
The Thames, Off Gravesend, by David Cox, watercolor, 1820

The Thames, Off Gravesend is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist David Cox. It dates from 1820 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Thames, Off Gravesend is a watercolour painting by David Cox, created in 1820. The work is a serene depiction of the River Thames near Gravesend.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows a tranquil river scene with sailboats, a small boat in the foreground, and a distant shore with buildings and trees. The soft, pale blue sky and its reflection on the water's surface evoke a sense of peacefulness.

Technique & Style

Soft colors and gentle brushstrokes characterize the painting, creating a calming atmosphere. The use of watercolour allows for subtle nuances in hue and tone, contributing to the overall serenity of the scene.

History & Provenance

The work is signed and dated on the front by the artist, David Cox.

Artist & collection

Portrait of David Cox

Artist

David Cox

David Cox (29 April 1783 – 7 June 1859) was an English landscape painter, one of the most important members of the Birmingham School of landscape artists and an early precursor of Impressionism.