Perspective view of a Bridge of Magnificence over the Thames at Somerset House

1781

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Dominant colour

Perspective view of a Bridge of Magnificence over the Thames at Somerset House is a 1781 by Thomas Sandby, a Romanticism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Thomas Sandby
When & what style?: 1781 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This drawing shows a grand bridge over the Thames, with a large building on the left and a smaller one on the right. The bridge has three arches and a long, flat section in the middle. There are several boats on the water, and the sky is light blue with a few clouds. The drawing is very detailed, with lots of lines and shading to show the textures of the buildings and the water. You can see the individual stones on the bridge and the waves on the river. If you like this kind of drawing, you might want to check out more works from the Romanticism movement.

The story of this work

Overview

A perspective view depicts a bridge with a pillared arcade spanning the River Thames, featuring small boats in the foreground. Five arches of the bridge frame views of London in the background, while Somerset House appears to the left of the composition.

Read the full account in the museum source.