J.M.W. Turner and C. Turner - 1808 Etching The Castle Above the Meadows

Description

A finely detailed etching from Joseph Mallord William Turner's (1775-1851) *Liber Studiorum* series. Turner designed and etched the plate himself, whilst the sepia gradations of tone were added through mezzotint by Charles Turner (1773-1857). In the *Liber Studiorum*, Turner classified his different treatments of landscape with a letter above each image. This scene is categorised ‘EP’ for ‘elevated' or 'epic pastoral’. The piper and grazing cattle in the foreground with the grand castle in the background suggests that Turner aimed to capture an idealised pastoral landscape. Signed within the plate. Published 1808. On laid.

Condition

Signs of wear consistent with age including light discolouration and foxing. Small tear to the upper right.

Size

18 x 26cm (7.1" x 10.2")
Sheet: 25.5 x 36cm (10.0" x 14.2")
Plate: 21 x 29cm (8.3" x 11.4")

Collection Information

*Liber Studiorum* is an ambitious collection of etchings created by J. M. W. Turner between 1807 and 1819 that aimed to showcase the great variety and range of landscapes through Turner's own vision.

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Artist Biography

*Liber Studiorum* is a collection of seventy-one prints by Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851) between 1807 and 1819. Turner created the etchings for the prints, which were worked in mezzotint by collaborating engravers. The plates were divided into six categories - marine, mountainous, pastoral, historical, architectural, and elevated or epic pastoral - with letters printed above each image to denote its category. The project aimed to document the great variety and range of landscapes. The prints were made to be widely disseminated, and form part of Turner's ambitious self-promotion. Many of the subjects were taken from his own existing paintings.