From Library Journal
This lovely exhibition catalog, which accompanies a show at the Royal Academy of Arts in London on the finished watercolors of J.M.W. Turner, clearly demonstrates their importance to his oeuvre. Turner developed a loyal following of collectors through exhibitions of his watercolors at the Royal Academy around 1800 and the circulation of over 800 prints based on his paintings and watercolors. The legacy of his watercolors continued through the adamant support of critic John Ruskin and in their influence on the Pre-Raphaelites and others. Essays by Shanes, the founding editor of Turner Studies, and other Turner scholars explore many facets of his art. For example, Turner's working technique for his watercolors involved saturating the sheets of strong, rag paper with a single color and then scratching the paper for textured effects. A chronological catalog of all of the pictures in the exhibition is illustrated in color. This well-rounded examination of a great artist is highly recommended for all libraries with art collections. Sandra Rothenberg, Framingham State Coll. Lib., MA Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
A Royal Academy of Arts Publication J. M. W. Turner (1775-1851) is considered Britain's greatest painter. While he is best known for his stunning oils, Turner also created major works in watercolor, many of which rival his oils in their breadth of scale, depth of tone, richness of color, and wealth of detail. This handsome volume, published on the 150th anniversary of Turner's death to accompany an unparalleled exhibition of his finished watercolors at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, is a milestone in Turner scholarship. Eric Shanes, a well-known expert on Turner and curator of the related exhibition, places the artist's watercolors in the wider context of his painted work and provides individual commentaries on the approximately 200 lush colorplates. Evelyn Joll investigates the market forces that brought Turner's watercolors into being, while Andrew Wilton analyzes their extraordinary effect on the art of later watercolorists. Finally, Ian Warrell discusses the critical reception to the work of this prodigiously talented artist. Turner: The Great Watercolours will stand at the forefront of thinking on Turner for years to come. ERIC SHANES is a leading expert on Turner and founding editor of Turner Studies (1980-1991). EVELYN JOLL is an independent art historian based in London. IAN WARRELL is a curator at Tate Britain. ANDREW WILTON is keeper and senior research fellow, Tate Britain. 200 illustrations in full color, 10 x 11"

FROM THE PUBLISHER

J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851) is considered Britain's greatest painter. While he is best known for his stunning oils, Turner also created major works in watercolor, many of which rival his oils in their breadth of scale, depth of tone, richness of color, and wealth of detail. This handsome volume, published on the 150th anniversary of Turner's death to accompany an unparalleled exhibition of his finished watercolors at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, is amilestone in Turner scholarship.

Eric Shanes, a well-known expert on Turner and curator of the related exhibition, places the artist's watercolors in the wider context of his painted work and provides individual commentaries on the approximately 200 lush colorplates. Evelyn Joll investigates the market forces that brought Turner's watercolors into being, while Andrew Wilton analyzes their extraordinary effect on the art of later watercolorists. Finally, Ian Warrell discusses the critical reception to the work of this prodigiously talented artist. Turner: The Great Watercolors will stand at the forefront of thinking on Turner for years to come.

FROM THE CRITICS

Hilarie M. Sheets - New York Times Book Review

...a book of rigorous scholarship and beauty.

Library Journal