Why J.M.W. Turner’s work needs to be seen in person
Why J.M.W. Turner’s work needs to be seen in person
By Robert Fulford, National Post, November 3, 2015
In 1851, one of the grand cultural figures of the 19th century, Joseph Mallord William Turner, left a huge collection of his art — nearly 300 oil paintings and about 30,000 sketches and watercolours —to the British people . For generations, London and its visitors have been going to the Tate Gallery to enjoy that uncommonly generous bequest. Now, until January 31, some of the best works in his gift are in Canada, showing in Turner: Painting Set Free at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
The paintings and watercolours that fill the show are mainly from his last 15 years, when he was establishing his legacy with a stream of pictures that were more audacious, more ambitious and more Turneresque than anything he produced earlier.
In 2015 Turner is more famous than he’s been in a century. Last year movie audiences saw a great actor, Timothy Spall, embody him in Mike Leigh’s enthralling film, Mr. Turner. Those who were impressed by that version of the man will be anxious to see this survey of his work. The AGO helps set the tone by showing some excerpts from the film within the exhibition.
In 1851, one of the grand cultural figures of the 19th century, Joseph Mallord William Turner, left a huge collection of his art — nearly 300 oil paintings and about 30,000 sketches and watercolours —to the British people . For generations, London and its visitors have been going to the Tate Gallery to enjoy that uncommonly generous bequest. Now, until January 31, some of the best works in his gift are in Canada, showing in Turner: Painting Set Free at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
The paintings and watercolours that fill the show are mainly from his last 15 years, when he was establishing his legacy with a stream of pictures that were more audacious, more ambitious and more Turneresque than anything he produced earlier.
In 2015 Turner is more famous than he’s been in a century. Last year movie audiences saw a great actor, Timothy Spall, embody him in Mike Leigh’s enthralling film, Mr. Turner. Those who were impressed by that version of the man will be anxious to see this survey of his work. The AGO helps set the tone by showing some excerpts from the film within the exhibition.
Click this link to read the rest of this article and see the paintings accompanying it:
http://news.nationalpost.com/arts/robert-fulford-why-j-m-w-turners-work-needs-to-be-seen-in-person
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Because Turner has been my favourite painter since studying English Literature for my Bachelor's degree, having read Ruskin's praise of the artist, I went to London's Tate and National galleries some years later specifically to view Turner's original paintings. I was not disappointed. My favourite painting, which is also the favourite painting of the British public, is Turner's The Fighting Temeraire, which I have posted a number of times on NT.
Everyone knows French Impressionists. The Brits aren't as well known, but there were some very good painters working about the same time. Yale University has a magnificent collection.
Turner, as the article pointed out, pre-dated the French Impressionists. You could almost say he "impressed" them.
I love the picture that is in the article! Now, on to the link!
Thanks!
I like them Buzz; it's like seeing an image appear slowly from a fog. Clarity in degrees; makes it mystical!
Dear Friend Arch Man: Great article. Please keep them coming.
How are you my good friend?
I hope you and yours are enjoying this beautiful fall season, with all its leaves I glorious peak color.
I recall with fondness the fellowship we enjoyed when we co-authored articles as brothers in spirit on the Newsvine. Remember when that used to be a place to go to get smarter?
It is always an honor and a delight to see3 you here.
Peace and Abundant Blessings to You and Yours, Even Unto the Thousandth Generation.
Enoch.
Hi Enoch all is well; good to see you hear and being a blessing to others.
"Peace and Abundant Blessings to You and Yours, Even Unto the Thousandth Generation."
Thank you Enoch and likewise to you and yours for generations to come, G-d bless.
Dear Friend Buzz: Great article, Please keep them coming.
I am a big fan of your devotion to and messages on he arts, among other contributions you make here.
Please forgive the misstep I made when I sent greetings to our good friend, and one of my treasured writing partners Arch Man.
His was a constructive and generous comment.
The article is yours.
Mea Culpa.
E.
Much of what Turner painted, he painted for himself (as some art historians have noted). Years ago there was a television film about Turner's life entitled "The Sun id God" which gave insight into both his life and his art -- I cannot locate any information on the movie, let alone locate it (maybe NWM will know about it or how to track it down).
There was an American painter (19th Century) named Thomas Moran who was referred to as "The American Turner" -- the painting below indicates the reason.
Thanks for the article Buzz!