The heart of Glasgow has always been the Clyde River. Salmon has painted an exceptional marine narrative loaded with striking details and beautiful colors of the activity at the Broomielaw Excursion Steamer docks in 1832. Underway, the larger of three green-hulled sidewheelers is loaded with passengers, beneath flags and a colorful blue-yellow stack. Off the bow the sidewheeler GLASGOW (1832) and others rest at anchorages, near a large American merchant sailing ship with men aloft in her rig. Across the luminous water, mariners deal amid the decks of a Dutch merchant.

The medieval city of Glasgow sprang to international prominence partially on the strength of the tobacco trade with the American Colonies. Glasgow’s “Tobacco Lords” built institutions that survive today, including the world’s first Chamber of Commerce, its spire competing in height with the Nelson Monument and churches beyond the Broomielaw Bridge, also known as the Glasgow Bridge. An unofficial count of 105 people are shown. An early Broomielaw Clock Tower holds the north bank.

Salmon’s superb painting of the luminous, reflective water and exacting details with great color variation shows why he inspired so many artists who followed. Elements such as the vignette of the men in the rowed boat are found in Fitz Henry Lane’s masterworks, directly inspired by Salmon’s art. Inscribed Verso: #766 Painted by R. Salmon, Sept. 28, 1832.

Signed Verso: No.766 Painted by R. Salmon, Sept. 28, 1832.

Provenance: Label Verso, Property of Charles Taylor, Publisher of the Boston Globe, 1873-1921; by descent through his family, loaned to the Peabody Museum of Boston for years.

Exhibited at the Peabody Museum, Boston.

Literature: Robert Salmon Painter of Ship & Shore by John Wilmerding, Boston, 1971, Catalogue of Paintings, Appendix A, page 93 #766, “Vew of Glasgow”.