The artwork, titled “Battersea Reach,” was created by James McNeill Whistler around the year 1863. It is an oil painting on canvas with dimensions of 76.2 by 50.8 centimeters. The piece is associated with both Realism and Impressionism art movements and falls within the genre of marina.
The artwork portrays a serene riverside scene, likely capturing a moment on the River Thames near Battersea. The composition features a variety of boats with tall, slender masts and sails, moored calmly along the water’s edge. In the background, an array of buildings line the opposite bank of the river, providing a subtle contrast to the dynamic presence of the boats in the foreground. The sky is painted with a blend of soft, muted hues, indicating either dawn or dusk, and contributes to the tranquil ambiance of the scene. Whistler’s brushstrokes and color palette reflect the influence of both Realism and Impressionism, capturing the delicate interplay of light and atmosphere in this evocative depiction of maritime life.
