Chelsea from the Thames at Battersea Reach, London by Canaletto

Chelsea from the Thames at Battersea Reach, London
1751
Capriccio
Oil on canvas
The Lothian Collection (National Trust), Blickling Hall, England

The River Thames dominates “Chelsea from the Thames at Battersea Reach, London.” From the swath of land in the foreground two boats are being pushed into the river whilst in the background is the view of Chelsea buildings. Canaletto’s approach to English landscape helped his reputation grow in Northern Europe with the River Thames a frequent subject. It shows Canaletto’s characteristic command of perspective, attention to detail and realism.

Canaletto
Baroque, Rococo
Born: 28 October 1697, Venice, Italy
Nationality: Italian
Died: 19 April 1768, Venice, Italy

Canaletto was a painter from the Republic of Venice and is considered an important member of the Venetian School of the 18th century. He was a painter of veduta of Venice, Rome, and London as well as imaginary (capricci) views. He was highly successful in England due to the patronage of Joseph “Consul” Smith, a British merchant and connoisseur