'The Exterior of the Amphitheatre, Pompeii, with Vesuvius in Distance', Joseph Mallord William Turner

Artwork details

Artist

Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775‑1851)

Title

The Exterior of the Amphitheatre, Pompeii, with Vesuvius in Distance

From Pompeii, Amalfi, &c., Sketchbook

Turner Bequest CLXXXV

Date 1819

MediumGraphite on paper

Dimensionssupport: 113 x 189 mm

Collection

Tate

Acquisition Accepted by the nation as part of the Turner Bequest 1856

Reference

D15771

Turner Bequest CLXXXV 18 a

View this artwork by appointment, at Tate Britain's Prints and Drawings Rooms

Turner's sketchbooks

View this artwork in the Pompeii, Amalfi, &c., Sketchbook

Catalogue entry

Joseph Mallord William Turner 1775–1851

Folio 18 Verso:

The Exterior of the Amphitheatre, Pompeii, with Vesuvius in Distance 1819

D15771
Turner Bequest CLXXXV 18 a

Pencil on white wove paper, 113 x 189 mm

Accepted by the nation as part of the Turner Bequest 1856

References

The Amphitheatre in Pompeii lies along the eastern perimeter of the city walls between the Porta di Sarno and the Porta di Nocera. First discovered in 1748 it was completely excavated in 1813–16 and represents one of the oldest and best preserved Roman arenas in existence. During Turner’s visit in 1819 it was virtually the only landmark of importance which had been uncovered on the eastern side of the archeological site. The artist made a number of studies of the structure, see folios 17 verso–19 and 27 (D15769–D15772 and D15788).

This sketch represents a view of the Amphitheatre from the south with Vesuvius dominating the background beyond. Despite the rough nature of the drawing Turner has clearly depicted the exterior arches of the structure with the central double staircase on the western side.

For further sketches and a general discussion of Turner’s visit to Pompeii see the introduction to the sketchbook.

Nicola Moorby
September 2010

Read this catalogue entry in full

This catalogue entry is part of: David Blayney Brown (ed.), J.M.W. Turner: Sketchbooks, Drawings and Watercolours, December 2012.