The Rhinebeck Panorama of London by British

Details

Category:

Topographical

Medium:

Watercolour, pen, ink, pencil & gold paint on paper Dimensions: 71 x 262 cm

Art Fund grant:

£40,000 ( Total: £199,500)

Acquired in:

1998

Vendor:

Sotheby's

Although it is essentially accurate, it has been noted by one specialist that it is 'an illusionistic scene designed to thrill and excite'. This may explain why it shows a building on fire (illustrated here on the left) and so many barges and sailing ships on the river.

Provenance

Thought to have originally belonged to Robert Havell junior; rediscovered circa 1958 by Mrs Janet Johnston; Alfred Macdonald (her brother); Sandy Macdonald