Italy 1819
The watercolours Turner painted on his first Italian tour marked a turning point in his career. His encounter with warm Mediterranean light inspired a dramatic lightening of his palette: while architectural details are treated with soft pinks and browns, loose, wet washes of limpid blues depict tranquil skies over tepid, clear waters.
Once again Turner uses a variety of papers. Compare the studies on light grey paper with those on a white background.
Joseph Mallord William Turner
Rome: The Colosseum 1819
Rome: Colour Studies Sketchbook [Finberg CLXXXIX], D16327-D16394; D40049-D40050; D40855-D40857
Gouache, pencil and watercolour on paper
Bequeathed by the artist 1856
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Joseph Mallord William Turner
Rome from the Villa Barberini: A Rainbow in the Distance 1819
Rome: Colour Studies Sketchbook [Finberg CLXXXIX], D16327-D16394; D40049-D40050; D40855-D40857
complete
Pencil, watercolour and watercolour wash on paper
Bequeathed by the artist 1856
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Joseph Mallord William Turner
Naples: Monte St Angelo and Capri 1819
Naples: Rome. C. Studies Sketchbook [Finberg CLXXXVII], D16088-D16156; D40048; D40079; D41404- D41407; D41482 complete
Pencil and watercolour on paper
Bequeathed by the artist 1856
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Joseph Mallord William Turner
Monte Gennaro near Rome 1819
Naples: Rome. C. Studies Sketchbook [Finberg CLXXXVII], D16088-D16156; D40048; D40079; D41404- D41407; D41482 complete
Watercolour on paper
Bequeathed by the artist 1856
[+] view this work in the Collection