William Anderson

William Anderson (1757–1837) Harbour Scene – Oil on Canvas

Canvas 13 x 21 cm
Frame 27 x 34cm
Canvas Height: 13 cms (5.1 ins)
Canvas Width: 21 cms (8.3 ins)

William Anderson (1757–1837) was a Scottish artist celebrated for his intricate maritime and patriotic paintings. Born in Scotland, Anderson developed a keen eye for the dramatic and the dynamic, qualities that would define his long and productive career. His artwork was frequently showcased in London from 1787 to 1811, and then sporadically until 1834. 

His exhibitions included notable pieces such as “A View of Berwick-on-Tweed” and “A View of Tynemouth,” which provided glimpses into coastal life and the interaction between land and sea. Anderson also ventured into historical paintings with works like “The Battle of Waterloo” and “The Capture of Fort Louis, Martinique, 1794,” the latter vividly portraying the attack by Commander Robert Faulknor of HMS Zebra on Fort Saint Louis in Martinique. This historical narrative was a common theme, further explored in pieces like “The Battle of Cape Finisterre,” “The First Battle of Groix,” and “The Battle of the Nile.”

Other significant works by Anderson include “Shipping on the Thames at Deptford” and “View at the Mouth of the Thames,” showcasing the bustling river scenes and the economic vitality of the Thames. In addition to his paintings, Anderson contributed drawings for the engravings in Rees’s Cyclopædia, likely focusing on marine subjects, further cementing his reputation as a skilled draftsman and painter.

William Anderson’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, notably impacting John Ward and others from the Hull school, who drew inspiration from his detailed approach to maritime art. Through his dedication to depicting naval and patriotic themes with precision and artistry, Anderson’s legacy endures as a quintessential contributor to British maritime painting in the 18th and 19th centuries.