View of Edinburgh from Calton Hill with the North Bridge and Castle in the Distance
About this artwork
At the left of this composition is Edinburgh Castle and before it the North Bridge. This drawing dates form Turner’s first visit to Edinburgh in 1801 and is typical of his numerous outdoor sketches; rapidly worked, it records the basic structure of the topography. Such studies were used throughout his career as the basis for finished watercolours and oils. The sketch was probably employed in the preparation of a watercolour of the same subject which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1804 (Tate).
Updated before 2020
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artist:Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775 - 1851) English
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title:View of Edinburgh from Calton Hill with the North Bridge and Castle in the Distance
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date created:1801
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materials:Pencil on paper
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measurements:26.40 x 41.00 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased by the Patrons of the National Galleries of Scotland 2005
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accession number:D 5579
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gallery:
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...