Artwork
The Thames, showing Somerset House in the course of construction
The Thames, showing Somerset House in the course of construction is a watercolor work on paper by the Rococo painting artist William Sr Sherlock. It dates from 1785 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
A partially completed Somerset House dominates the central vista, its scaffolding and unfinished façades contrasting with the older structures that flank it.
The work is a watercolour that portrays a stretch of the River Thames, foregrounded by a line of historic buildings and punctuated by a cluster of vessels. A partially completed Somerset House dominates the central vista, its scaffolding and unfinished façades contrasting with the older structures that flank it. The composition is set under a light sky with gentle clouds, lending a calm atmosphere to the bustling river scene.
Subject & Meaning
The painting captures a moment of urban transition, juxtaposing the aged architecture of the Thames waterfront with the ongoing construction of Somerset House. The presence of passenger boats conveys the river’s role as a lively thoroughfare, while the unfinished building suggests progress and the evolving character of the city.
Technique & Style
Executed in transparent washes, the watercolour employs delicate tonal variations to render the smooth surface of the water and the soft sky. Fine brushwork defines the architectural details, while broader strokes suggest the movement of the boats and the hazy background, creating a balanced interplay between precision and atmospheric effect.
History & Provenance
The piece belongs to a tradition of 19th‑century topographical watercolours that documented London’s development. Its exact date and creator are not recorded here, but the work has been held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it is displayed alongside comparable studies of the city’s riverfront.
Artist & collection
Artist
London-based watercolor artist William Sr. Sherlock painted 18th-century Thames views. His *The Thames, showing Somerset House in the course of construction* (around 1785) captures cranes and stonework on a busy…
