Thomas Girtin (1775 - 1802)

Thomas Girtin

Thomas Girtin was a British watercolor painter.

Girtin, along with his artist friend J. M. W. Turner, was the founder of the national school of watercolor. Until the late 18th century, watercolor was mainly used for topographical works such as maps, but thanks to these two artists it became increasingly popular. Girtin developed his bold, spacious, romantic style, which had an indelible influence on English painting.

Girtin created many panoramic watercolor landscapes and views of London and Paris in the Romantic style. His giant panorama of London, Eidometropolis, was exhibited in 1802, shortly before his premature death.