Turner in his Time

More than two hundred illustrations, an illustrated chronology, and critical artistic analysis trace the life of the nineteenth-century British landscape painter, describes the influences on his remarkable work, and attempts to portray his complex and mysterious personality.
In this book, over 150 of Turner's works of every type are lavishly displayed and superbly reproduced. In his text Andrew Wilton builds up a picture in the round of a man of many secrets both professional and personal, using a broad repertory of documentary sources including Turner's own writings in the form of letters, notes and verse, and recorded impressions by his contemporaries, later assessments, and reviews of his exhibited works. A comprehensive chronology, illustrated with portraits of Turner and his associates and views of places with which he was connected, sets out his travels, exhibitions and projects. Important light is shed on Turner's mind by a list of books in his library, and on the private man by an inventory of the contents of the London house where he lived for most of his long life.
Spectacular reproductions of Turner's works, set in the context of the artist's themes, ventures, and journeys in England and Europe.J. M. W. Turner is one of the most famousand most mysteriousof artists. His paintings are among the masterpieces of Western art, and the range of his work and the originality of his technique make him a giant. He kept his private life a secret, and his contradictory personality, his love of mystification, and his revolutionary manner of painting all fascinated his contemporaries and still arouse our curiosity today.Andrew Wilton's knowledge and enthusiasm uniquely qualify him to introduce us to the artist's life, and he concentrates here on original sources: Turner's writings, in the form of letters, notes, and verse; impressions recorded by his contemporaries; and reviews of his exhibited works. A comprehensive illustrated chronology covers Turner's travels, exhibitions, and projects, and includes portraits of his friends and patrons, views of places with which he was associated, and works by other artists who played a crucial role in forming his style and thought. Revised and updated edition Now with color illustrations throughout (200 illustrations total, 150 in color) Forty-four works are new to the book Includes a recently discovered watercolor