A view of Chelsea from the Thames at low tide. The third building from the right, The Adam and Eve tavern is marked with a sign which reads “The Adam and Eve - Wine and Spirit Establ”. Along the shore, the text on the building at centre reads “Old Ferry Wharf / J. Johnson / Coal Merchant.” Barges with unfurled masts sit on the left, and a sole figure stands in front, turned away from the viewer.

This is a late third state etching, determined by the faint outline of the butterfly above the church tower, and the faint shading on the hull of the second barge on the left. Around 1869 Whistler developed a monogram signature based on his initials, which appears as a stylized butterfly. Whistler applied this butterfly to his work throughout the remainder of his career, adapting the shape of the monogram over time.

Born in Massachusetts, Whistler was not strictly a marine painter, but he did produce many views of the Thames. Although not included in the 'Series of Sixteen Etchings’ which was published in 1871, this etching encompasses the same theme and is compositionally similar. Whistler worked directly with his subjects and by doing so, succeeded in highlighted the existence of a working-class maritime community in the city of London.