J.M.W. Turner: Sketchbooks, Drawings and Watercolours

ISBN 978-1-84976-386-8
J.M.W. Turner > 1819-29 Italy and after > Ports of England c.1822-8 > Ports of England Sketchbook > Artwork

Joseph Mallord William Turner Studies for Classical Compositions c.1822-3

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Joseph Mallord William Turner, ‘Studies for Classical Compositions’ c.1822-3
Joseph Mallord William Turner 1775–1851
Folio 27 Verso
Studies for Classical Compositions c.1822–3
D17749
Turner Bequest CCII 27 a
Pencil on paper, 257 x 178 mm
Blind-stamped with Turner Bequest monogram top left (relative to foliation)
 
Accepted by the nation as part of the Turner Bequest 1856
With the sketchbook turned upside down relative to the foliation, Turner has divided the sheet to accommodate what appears to be three or four separate pencil sketches of classical compositions: one large or possibly two small drawings occupy the bottom register and two small drawings stretch across the upper register.
At the bottom right three columnar structures can be made out followed by what appears to be a vessel. The diagonal pencil lines across it could indicate the pitch of oars held by figures within the boat. Beyond is a line of trees with figures dotted between them. A classical architectural form follows, possibly marking a docking area, with more shipping beyond.
At the upper register, from left to right, is an assemblage of what appear to be figures and boats with a rocky hillside, perhaps also rubble or ruins, in the background. More shipping follows; the upright, wind-blown sails of a brig are visible. The right of the sheet is sparsely filled, the faint impression of some arches barely visible.

Alice Rylance-Watson
March 2013

How to cite

Alice Rylance-Watson, ‘Studies for Classical Compositions c.1822–3 by Joseph Mallord William Turner’, catalogue entry, March 2013, in David Blayney Brown (ed.), J.M.W. Turner: Sketchbooks, Drawings and Watercolours, Tate Research Publication, September 2014, https://www.tate.org.uk/art/research-publications/jmw-turner/joseph-mallord-william-turner-studies-for-classical-compositions-r1148319, accessed 24 April 2024.