Battersea Reach, looking across the Thames dates from between 1872 and 1878; stylistically a date of about 1874 is most likely, but the butterfly was added later, in the 1890s.

Battersea Reach, looking across the Thames, Thomas Colville F.A.

It is the view across the Thames from Whistler’s house in Chelsea and there are several works showing that view, with slight variations. A similar subject, Grey and Silver: Chelsea Wharf [YMSM 054] dates from 1864/1868 and was exhibited in 1875; it is unlikely that the drawing dates from 1864/1868 but possible that it was done before or in 1875. The composition of the drawing is very close indeed to the pastel The Thames [M.0473]) dated 1872/1875. Nocturne: Blue and Silver - Battersea Reach [YMSM 119] shows the same view and dates from the early 1870s but may have been completed for exhibition in 1872 or 1875. Stylistically the drawing could date from that period.

In style and technique it is very likeSouvenir of Nocturne in Blue and Gold / From Westminster bridge [M.0569] which dates from ca 1874 and is a study for Nocturne: Grey and Gold - Westminster Bridge [YMSM 145].

Finally, it could have been one of several designs for the cover the pamphlet, Whistler 1878 A [more], drawn in 1878 (see r. and v.: Design for the cover of 'Whistler v. Ruskin: Art and Art Critics' [M.0706], Design for the cover of 'Whistler v. Ruskin: Art and Art Critics' [M.0707], Chelsea Reach and the dragonfly [M.0708]).

Thus the drawing could date from between 1872 and 1878 but stylistically a date of about 1874 is likely.

On 9 June 1891 the art dealer E.G. Kennedy brought Whistler several earlier drawings for signature, and Whistler signed them (m850-1 for instance). This drawing is not listed but the tiny additional butterfly signature could well date from the 1890s.