Westminster Bridge under Construction by Richard Wilson

Acquisition of Richard Wilson's painting, Westminster Bridge under Construction. Oil on canvas: 725 x 1460 mm. Richard Wilson's view of Westminster Bridge under construction can be dated to the early autumn of 1744. this was when the timber framework supporting the arch immediately to the left of the central span was dismantled - an operation clearly visible in Wilson's picture. When Wilson painted this picture he was still working principally as a portrait painter. However, in its attention to the broad sweep of scenery surrounding the bridge, and its sensitive rendition of light, this picture demonstrates that Wilson was an accomplished landscape painter several years before his departure for Italy in 1750.