FAMAG 2006.10.11


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Turner, Joseph Mallord William RA (1775-1851): Entrance to Fowey Harbour, Cornwall, engraver: Smith, William Raymond, publisher: Heath, Charles and Jennings, Robert , dated 1829, Line engraving, Part V, No.1, R225, Image size: 163 x 230mm, Plate mark size: 257 x 314mm, Sheet size: 439 x 596mm.


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Picturesque Views in England and Wales
1825-1838

From the time of the artist?s ground-breaking oil painting ?Snowstorm: Hannibal and his army crossing the Alps? of 1812 (B&J 126) Turner often used overarching vortiginous compositions to illustrate the power of nature. In this storm scene men, women and children battle with a churning sea as waves dash against St Catharine?s castle on the channel?s southern side. To the right anxious figures cling precariously to the cliff watching in hope the approach of already crowded lifeboats. With unsettling scenes like this Turner reminds us of the hazardous life endured by coastal communities throughout Britain?s maritime nation. However, note the two-masted brig on the horizon listing to port yet illumined by shafts of optimistic sunlight through the foreboding clouds.

The original for this work is in the Sterling and Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, USA.