Details

Object type

painting

Title

Stockwell Bridge, Glasgow

Artist/Maker

Henricus van der Houten artist

Place Associated

Scotland, Glasgow, Stockwell Bridge (place depicted)

Date

1838

Materials

oil on canvas

Dimensions

unframed: 745 x 866 mm; framed: 895 x 1040 x 64 mm

Description

Stockwell Bridge, in Central Glasgow, stretches across the river Clyde. Its distinctive arches are reflected in the still waters below. The bridge, which was dismantled and rebuilt 13 years after this painting, is busy with people crossing. In the foreground figures wade in the water, or are occupied with a small boat. The city’s tall buildings disappear into the horizon, and on the right a church and a smoking chimney can be seen, suggesting Glasgow’s industrial history. Another church, and further tall buildings, can be seen to the left. The sky is hazy, at sunrise or sunset, with light peach and purple clouds.

Henricus van den Houten was a Dutch artist, but on 6 June 1841 he was recorded living at 58 Renfield Street, Glasgow, with his wife, three children and servant. Henricus later moved to London, before settling in Victoria, Australia in 1853.

ID Number

TEMP.14947

Location

Kelvingrove Picture Promenade