Lot 130: Daniel Turner (British, exh. 1782-1801)

A view of the Medway at Rochester, the old bridge dwarfed by the ancient keep of the castle looming over the town
signed 'Danl. Turner of London' and dated 1806 (lower right)
oil on canvas
71.7 x 108cm. (28 1/4 x 42 1/2in.)

Not only has Turner managed to convey the considerable importance of the river bridge to Rochester's well-being in this very attractive view, he has also caught the tidal race below its arches with some skill. All river traffic at this date was required to 'shoot' the bridge in order to negotiate the stream, as it was three-quarters of a century later when depicted by William Wyllie in his celebrated 1883 Royal Academy piece 'Heave Away', barges upward bound, shooting Rochester Bridge (sold in these rooms, 14th. January 1999, lot 180, £27,000).