Shipping in the Thames

John Constable

1803

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Romanticism Early 19th Century Marine

About this work

This quick sketch shows three ships on calm water near a shoreline. The two smaller boats have simple sails, while the larger one on the right has multiple masts and looks more complex. The drawing is loose and light, with just a few lines to suggest waves and land in the background. The artist focused on how the ships move differently—some glide, others sit low in the water. The sketch feels like a fast note, not a finished picture. Next, check out the barque to see how these ships worked.