Greenwich from the Isle of Dogs, by Robert Dodd.

Greenwich from the Isle of Dogs.

Repro ID: BHC3867

Description: A scene of the River Thames at Greenwich viewed from a landing point on the Isle of Dogs. The bank running along the north shore, in the left foreground of the picture, is shown built-up. This was done to contain the Thames at high tide and prevent the flooding of what had formerly been marshes. These were drained so that cows could graze on pasture that remained below water level at high tide. The bank is shown as a place of leisure, and in the foreground, groups of fashionable people promenade. Several figures representing Greenwich pensioners rest on the path, while three wherrymen waiting for a fare play bones. Off-shore on the right are three fishermen in a peter-boat. On the right, a merchantman, probably a collier, sails downstream against the tide, and on the left, two more are 'tiding up' the river on the flood, hove-to across the current aganist the adverse wind. Further downstream more ships are either riding or butting the tide. The painting is important because it shows the way the river was used at Greenwich in the late 18th century, particularly the demonstration of the importance of the tide. The four vessels on the left drift up the river with sufficient sail on to manoeuvre when they meet the vessel on the right. The river and the buildings of Greenwich dominate, but the artist has chosen to emphasize the rural quality of the landscape, with fields in the foreground to the left, and the hills behind Greenwich in the background.

Creator: Robert Dodd

Date: 1792

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London