This painting is based on J.M.W Turner's oil exhibited at the R.A. in 1809 under the title 'London', but more likely taken from the aquatint of it by Charles Turner of 1811. 1809 was the date when the colonnades and outer wings to the Queen's House were being built. Mark Anthony was born in Manchester and studied to be a doctor, before going to art school in Paris and The Hague. He then went to Fontainbleau, where he worked with Corot and Dupres. Returning to England he has been described as the first British painter to bring back the idea of French impressionism. He exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy and was admired by Madox Brown.