Room 3
View of Monte Casino, Italy
This is one of the watercolours produced jointly by Girtin and J.M.W. Turner when they worked at the home of Dr Thomas Monro, in the winter months between 1794 and 1798. Monro employed them to make copies of 'outlines or unfinished drawings' by John Robert Cozens. The division of labour was simple. 'Girtin drew in outlines and Turner washed in the effects'. We do not know how much Girtin earned, but Turner was paid 3s. 6d (17½p) a night: an important and reliable source of income. The two artists also benefited from being able to study from Monro's extensive collection of drawings; his apartment was said to have been like an 'academy' for watercolourists.
A replica of this drawing is available in the exhibition for visitors to trace, using a lightbox which simulates the way in which Girtin made his tracings. |
