The Water-Colours of J. M. W. Turner

"The Water-Colours of J. M. W. Turner" by W. G. Rawlinson and A. J. Finberg is an art collection and analysis published in the early 20th century. This work examines and reproduces the masterful water-colour drawings of renowned British artist J. M. W. Turner, whose artistic career spanned the late 18th to the mid-19th century. The book likely delves into Turner's artistic evolution and importance within the realm of landscape painting, providing insights into his techniques and influences. The opening of the book includes a foreword by Sir Charles Holroyd, who praises the reproductions of Turner's watercolours as unparalleled representations of the originals. He expresses a desire for the widespread publication of Turner's works to enhance appreciation for his genius and highlights the precision of Turner's depictions of nature, drawn from direct observation. Following this, Rawlinson offers a detailed account tracing the development of Turner's art, indicating the unique characteristics of his water-colours, particularly noting how they differ from his oil paintings and the influences that shaped his style throughout his career. The text establishes a foundation for understanding Turner's work, emphasizing his commitment to capturing the essence of natural beauty through innovative techniques. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Joseph Mallord William Turner, known in his time as William Turner, was an English Romantic painter, printmaker and watercolourist. He is known for his expressive colouring, imaginative landscapes and turbulent, often violent marine paintings. He left behind more than 550 oil paintings, 2,000 watercolours, and 30,000 works on paper. He was championed by the leading English art critic John Ruskin from 1840, and is today regarded as having elevated landscape painting to an eminence rivalling history painting.