The Little Rotherhithe

About this work

This sketch shows a busy river packed with ships. Big sailing vessels anchor in the background, while smaller boats—some with people inside—float closer to the shore. The water is dotted with tiny waves, and the whole scene is drawn in quick, scratchy lines. Notice how the artist used loose, sketchy strokes to show movement and light. The paper looks rough, and the lines feel almost like they were drawn fast, as if the artist was capturing the scene on the spot. Next, check out etching to see how artists use acid and needles to create these kinds of prints.