Westminster from Lambeth, with the Ceremonial Barge of the Ironmongers' Company
Date:
ca. 1745
Materials & Techniques:
Oil on canvas
Dimensions:
31 1/4 x 59 1/4 inches (79.4 x 150.5 cm)
Credit Line:
Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection
Copyright Status:
Public Domain
Accession Number:
B1976.7.149
Gallery Label:
In this view looking north across the Thames from Lambeth, Samuel Scott depicts scaffolding on one of the western towers of Westminster Abbey, which were designed by the architect Nicholas Hawksmoor and completed in 1745. A little to the right of the Abbey is the tower of St. Margaret’s, Westminster (flying the Union flag), followed by Westminster Hall (in the center), and, in front of it, the twin turrets of the Old House of Commons. Westminster Bridge is nearly finished, with only its parapet still under construction, while downstream the Banqueting House and the spire of St. Martin-in-the-Fields are clearly visible. In the left foreground, the ceremonial barge of the Ironmongers’ Company (identified by its armorial bearings) is rehearsing for the annual river procession to Westminster on Lord Mayor’s Day. Gallery label for installation of YCBA collection, 2016
