FAMAG 1000.82


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Turner, Joseph Mallord William RA (1775-1851): Pendennis Castle, Cornwall: Scene after a Wreck, engraver: Cooke, George, publisher: Murray, John, dated 1817, Line engraving, Part V, R101, Image size: 158 x 238mm, Plate mark size: 234 x 310mm, Sheet size: 300 x 442mm.


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Picturesque Views on the Southern Coast of England
1814-1826

This animated view across Falmouth Bay and Gyllyngvase to Pendennis is from Pennance Point to the west. In the distance the river Fal harbour entrance can be seen bathed in sunlight. Along the coast, in the aftermath of the wreck, salvagers grapple with what they can amongst the rocky foreshore. Co-ordinating their efforts, a group poised on a cliff ledge extend a line out to men attempting to haul a shattered mast ashore. Further out surrounded by waves others glean lighter booty beneath seagulls wheeling above. By illustrating scenes such as this Turner drew attention to the lengths to which the Cornish were driven in order to sustain their impoverished living conditions.

The original for this print is in a Private collection, UK