The Late Works of J. M. W. Turner - The Artist and his Critics

An exploration of Turner's final, vital years, including new readings of some of his most significant paintings

The paintings and drawings Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851) produced from 1835 to his death are seen by many as his most audacious and compelling work, a highly personal final vision that ranks with the late styles of the greatest artists. In this study, Sam Smiles shows how a richer account of Turner's achievement can be presented once his historical circumstances are given proper attention. He discusses the style and subject matter of Turner's later oil paintings and watercolours, his commercial dealings and his relations with patrons; he examines the artist's critical reception and scrutinises accounts of his physical and mental health to see what can be reliably said about this last phase of creative endeavour. Emerging from this study is an artist who used his final years to consolidate the principles that had motivated him throughout his career.

Distributed for the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art

About the author

Sam Smiles is honorary professor at the University of Exeter.

Summary

An exploration of Turner’s final, vital years, including new readings of some of his most significant paintings

Product details

• Authors: Sam Smiles, Samuel Smiles
• Publisher: Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.10.2020
• EAN: 9781913107161
• ISBN: 978-1-913107-16-1
• No. of pages: 312
• Dimensions: 278 mm x 226 mm x 30 mm
• Weight: 1466 g
• Illustrations: 160 color + b-w illus.
• Series: Paul Mellon Centre for Studies
• Subject: Humanities, art, music > Art > Art history