Joseph Mallord William Turner

A Shore with Beached Ships, and Vessels at Sea Beyond

c.1799–1802

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In Tate Britain

Prints and Drawings Room

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Artist: Joseph Mallord William Turner 1775–1851
Part of: Studies for Pictures Sketchbook
Medium: Ink and graphite on paper
Dimensions: Support: 135 × 210 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Accepted by the nation as part of the Turner Bequest 1856
Reference: D04116
Turner Bequest LXIX 101

Display caption

Turner would have made most of his paintings of the sea in the studio, but his sketchbooks reveal his tendency to sketch from life in front of the subject. He had a great interest in details of rigging and masts and took pains to ensure the accuracy of his drawings. A contemporary audience would have recognised the visual differences between commercial and naval shipping.

Gallery label, April 2005

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