Heidelberg
About this artwork
Heidelberg is an ancient university town with a fine castle, on the River Neckar, a picturesque tributary of the Rhine. Turner visited on three occasions: in 1833, 1840 and 1844. This is one of the finest of all the artist’s late works. Here he has moved far beyond a concern for topographical accuracy and created a glowing, almost hallucinatory image. The watercolour is also distinguished by its size; it is one of the largest of the Vaughan Turners in Edinburgh and was probably always meant to be an exhibition piece.
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title:Heidelberg
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accession number:D NG 885
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materials:Watercolour and gouache and ink, with scraping out on paper
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date created:About 1846
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measurements:37.40 x 55.30 cm
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credit line:Henry Vaughan Bequest 1900
Joseph Mallord William Turner
Joseph Mallord William Turner
Turner transformed the art of landscape painting in Britain. From detailed topographical studies to expansive, atmospheric vistas his works celebrate the diversity and emotive power of nature. He was born in Covent Garden, the son of a barber, and exhibited his earliest sketches in his father's shop before studying at…