Perfecting a rainbow: John Constable and David Lucas, ‘Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows’, 1834-7. Part #1 Introduction

Dedicated readers will remember that in 2018 we mused over various states of John Constable’s print of ‘A Summerland’. Here we apply the magnifying glass to his ‘Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows’. This was the last, largest and most ambitious mezzotint completed under the artist’s direct supervision. Work began on the plate in 1834 and … Continue reading Perfecting a rainbow: John Constable and David Lucas, ‘Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows’, 1834-7. Part #1 Introduction →

Chepstow Bridge and Castle. Called ‘Chepstow’, c.1793

Watercolour on paper, size unknown Untraced Turner catalogues: Wilton no.88; tdb3091 This composition is the second of fifteen subjects by Turner that were engraved for publication in The Copper Plate Magazine. The plate was engraved by J Storer and appeared in volume 2, as pl.67, bearing the publication date of 1 November 1794. The original … Continue reading Chepstow Bridge and Castle. Called ‘Chepstow’, c.1793 →

Clarkson Stanfield’s Verrès

Last year marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the appearance of Clarkson Stanfield’s watercolour of Verrès at Sotheby’s in London (10 July 1997, lot 138). At the preview it struck me as one of the outstanding items in the room, and I heartily recommended its purchase. Now the owners feel that it is time for it … Continue reading Clarkson Stanfield’s Verrès →

In Turner’s Footsteps between Lucerne and Thun: #28 Aareschlucht and the ascent of the Kirchet

Here we continue our journey through Turner’s Between Lucerne and Thun sketchbook. In this instalment we follow the artist down to the entrance to the Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht) and pick our way up the old mule track leading above the gorge to the upper valley, and take views looking back down the valley. Best viewed … Continue reading In Turner’s Footsteps between Lucerne and Thun: #28 Aareschlucht and the ascent of the Kirchet →

In Turner’s Footsteps between Lucerne and Thun: #27 Around Meiringen

Here we continue our journey through Turner’s Between Lucerne and Thun sketchbook. At the end of the previous instalment the artist arrived at Meiringen. Here we explore the village and take stock of the scenery round about, present and past. Best viewed full size. On a desktop right click and open in a new tab. … Continue reading In Turner’s Footsteps between Lucerne and Thun: #27 Around Meiringen →

In Turner’s Footsteps between Lucerne and Thun: #26 Haslital to Meiringen

Here we resume our journey through Turner’s Between Lucerne and Thun sketchbook. At the end of the previous instalment we left the artist watching the sun rise over the head of the Brienzersee. The reason he was up so early was to give himself a full day to explore the Haslital. Here he records a … Continue reading In Turner’s Footsteps between Lucerne and Thun: #26 Haslital to Meiringen →

In Turner’s Footsteps between Lucerne and Thun: #25 At Brienz

Continuing our journey through Turner’s Between Lucerne and Thun sketchbook, the artist here completes his crossing of the Brunig Pass and stays overnight at Brienz. He witnesses effects of evening and morning over the lake, and rekindles memories of his first visit to the town forty years earlier. Best viewed full size. On a desktop … Continue reading In Turner’s Footsteps between Lucerne and Thun: #25 At Brienz →

In Turner’s Footsteps between Lucerne and Thun: #24 Descent of the Brunig

Here we continue our journey through Turner’s Between Lucerne and Thun sketchbook. In the last part we left Turner arriving at the summit of the Brunig Pass to discover that a view promised by Murray’s Handbook for Travellers in Switzerland did not in fact exist. Murray claimed a view back to the Lungernsee and Mont … Continue reading In Turner’s Footsteps between Lucerne and Thun: #24 Descent of the Brunig →

In Turner’s Footsteps between Lucerne and Thun: #23 Ascent of the Brunig

Here we resume our journey through Turner’s Between Lucerne and Thun sketchbook, leaving Lungern along the old mule track towards the Brunig Pass. Best viewed full size. On a desktop right click and open in a new tab. Close tab to return to this page The Brunig Pass connects Lungern with the Haslithal, and hence … Continue reading In Turner’s Footsteps between Lucerne and Thun: #23 Ascent of the Brunig →

In Turner’s Footsteps between Lucerne and Thun: #22 Lungernsee

Here we continue our journey through Turner’s Between Lucerne and Thun sketchbook and arrive at the Lungernsee at the foot of the Brunig Pass. The site left a profound impression on him. Lungernsee, first glimpse from the train. Professor David Hill, 28 May 2014 Mountains circa 1841 Joseph Mallord William Turner 1775-1851 Accepted by the … Continue reading In Turner’s Footsteps between Lucerne and Thun: #22 Lungernsee →