On the Thames c. 1827 - 1829

David Cox’s “On the Thames” is a watercolor painting that invites us to reflect on the labor inherent in the landscape. Cox’s technique here is deceptively simple. He layers translucent washes of pigment, one after another, to build up the scene. Yet it’s in these washes that we find a social commentary. The figures in the boat aren't leisurely enjoying the view; they seem to be working, perhaps fishing or tending to the river in some way. The Thames was the lifeblood of London, a source of trade and industry, but also hard work for many. The artist's choice of watercolor, a medium often associated with amateurism, is interesting. Its portability made it ideal for sketching outdoors, capturing fleeting atmospheric effects. But it also speaks to a certain accessibility, a democratization of artmaking. Cox, like many of his contemporaries, aimed to depict not just the beauty of the English countryside, but also the lives and labor of its inhabitants. It's a reminder that even the most idyllic landscape is shaped by human activity.