FAMAG 2006.10.8


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Turner, Joseph Mallord William RA (1775-1851): Longships Light House, Lands End, Cornwall, engraver: Smith, William Raymond, printer: Longman & C0. , dated 1836, Line engraving, R288, image size: 163 x 252mm.


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Picturesque Views in England and Wales
1825-1838


This tumultuous seascape perfectly illustrates the dangerous waters off the county's western tip where the English Channel and Atlantic Ocean meet. Having been constructed in 1794-5 the Longships Lighthouse was still a relatively recent building when Turner painted this watercolour. Sadly though its presence has not prevented a vessel from coming to grief as is apparent from the foreground flotsam and wreckage. A flock of seabirds take flight as heaving waves disturb their granite perch. The white outline of the lighthouse can be seen way off in the distance. Ruskin wrote eloquently of this work
'... we have clouds without rain at twilight enveloping the cliffs of the coast but concealing nothing, every outline being visible through their gloom... full of character, wild, irregular, shattered and indefinite... vapour absorbed in universal energy.'

The original of this print is in a Private Collection, UK.