On the Thames
Technique: Giclée quality print
Recommended by our customers
More about this artwork
John Varley's painting, "On the Thames," gracefully captures a serene and nostalgic view of river life in the early 19th century. The focal point of the artwork is a beautifully detailed sailboat, moored gently in the calm waters. The boat, with its intricate rigging and subdued hues, stands majestically against a backdrop of a softly lit sky, where gentle clouds float in a tranquil harmony.In the foreground, human activity complements the scene's placid mood. Two small rowboats glide close by, with figures engaging quietly in rowing, suggesting the daily rhythm of life along the river. The presence of these figures adds a touch of vitality without disturbing the painting's peaceful essence.The background features a charming riverside village characterized by quaint buildings that hint at a simpler time. A distinct structure, possibly a mill, with its cylindrical tower, anchors the composition, adding historical context to the waterway's role in the local economy.Through his adept use of light and shadow, Varley achieves a luminous quality in the water, reflecting the sky and surroundings with a shimmering effect that draws the viewer's eye across the canvas.
Delivery
Returns
John Varley was an English watercolour painter and astrologer, and a close friend of William Blake. They collaborated in 1819–1820 on the book Visionary Heads, written by Varley and illustrated by Blake. He was the elder brother of a family of artists: Cornelius Varley, William Fleetwood Varley, and Elizabeth, who married the painter William Mulready.