Joseph Mallord William Turner

Windsor Castle from the Thames

c.1807–19

Image released under

License this image

In Tate Britain

Prints and Drawings Room

View by appointment

Artist: Joseph Mallord William Turner 1775–1851
Part of: Liber Studiorum: Probable or Possible Designs, not Engraved in Turner’s Lifetime
Medium: Graphite and watercolour on paper
Dimensions: Support: 222 × 295 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Accepted by the nation as part of the Turner Bequest 1856
Reference: D08185
Turner Bequest CXVIII e

Display caption

This drawing of Windsor Castle from Salt Hill was made for an unpublished plate for Turner's series of illustrations of different types of landscape composition, the Liber Studiorum. This included numerous examples of British scenery. As a royal residence and a picturesque castle, Windsor was both the focus of patriotic sentiment and the climax of the contemporary tourist's Thames itinerary. Turner nevertheless places it in a hazy distance, juxtaposed with a humble scene of sheep-washing in the foreground.

Gallery label, August 2004

Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? We would like to hear from you.