Cheyne Walk in Chelsea, by Moonlight

Henry Pether was a topographical painter best known for his moonlit views. This painting shows Cheyne Walk and the river at low tide, looking eastwards from the foreshore just east of Battersea Bridge.

In the foreground is a large house at the eastern end of Lombard Street. Behind this building is Chelsea Old Church which was rebuilt between 1669 and 1672. In the churchyard, fronting the river, are two Chelsea pensioners standing next to Joseph Wilton's monument to Sir Hans Sloane, founder of the British Museum. The scene also includes the row of five late 17th century houses in Prospect Place. A paddle-steamer has just departed from Cadogan Pier and can be seen in the middle distance.