Exceptionnelle
Lot 170:
Description
Keywords: J.M.W. Turner, Joseph Mallord William Turner, watercolor, 19th century, English landscape, Romanticism, Devonshire, original artwork, hand-bound album, antique art book, handwoven binding, Turner sketchbook, British art, plein air, historic art, watercolor studies, Turner watercolors, 1828, watermark 1827, fine art, collectible album
An extraordinary antique hand-bound and hand-tooled leather album featuring a collection of 51 original watercolor sketches attributed to J.M.W. Turner, dating to 1828. The title page notes “Devonshire. 1828. All by J.M.W. Turner, ” with a watermark on the paper reading 1827.
James Millord Willimam Turner was well known for his travels and he created many sketch books of watercolors from which he later made his final works. In recent years much curatorial attention has been addressed to the subject of his amazing sketchbooks. This particular sketchbook was inherited by the daughter of a known collector over 60 years ago. There were originally more watercolors in the collection, but over the course of years many were consigned to major galleries, catalogued as attributed to JMW Turner and sold off to supplement income as needed. Now, these 49 watercolor sketches remain and likewise we also offer them as attributed .
NOTE: We believe that the attribution is correct. We point out that at the time these were bound, that Turner’s sketches were not so valuable. It was unlikely that any sane forger would, so very many years ago have undertaken creating the many miniature sketches to fill the album, and then have it custom bound, etc. It would not have made sense back then and there were far better options available to a forger, then and now. We made various attempts to locate a willing and qualified expert to authenticate approx. 51 works reasonably… 51 authentications is a lot of money…. and were referred to a museum, … they do not authenticate commercially.
The sketchbook focused on the Devonshire countryside. Each painting is carefully hand-mounted, showcasing Turner’s mastery of atmosphere, light, and natural scenery. The title page notes “Devonshire. 1828. All by J.M.W. Turner, ” with a watermark on the paper reading 1827. This rare and elegant antique album was finely bound long ago in embossed red leather with gilt detailing and housed in an antique water resistant protector double slip cases.
Turner was well known for his travels and created many sketch books of watercolors from which he later made larger works. In recent years much curatorial attention has been addressed to the subject of his sketchbooks. This sketchbook was inherited by the daughter of a known collector over 60 years ago. There were originally more watercolors in the collection, but over the course of years many were consigned to major galleries, catalogued as attributed to JMW Turner and sold to supplement income as needed and now, 51 watercolor remain.
Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775–1851) was one of Britain’s greatest painters and a pioneer of Romanticism in landscape art. Known for his expressive colorization, imaginative landscapes, and turbulent marine paintings, Turner elevated watercolor to a level of prestige previously reserved for oil painting. A prodigy who entered the Royal Academy of Art at just 14, Turner enjoyed critical success in his lifetime and left behind a vast body of work that influenced generations of artists, from the Impressionists to contemporary landscape painters. Often referred to as “the painter of light, ” his atmospheric works, whether serene or sublime, are hallmarks of poetic naturalism.
Cover: 10 x 8 1/4 x 1 1/2 in. (25.4 x 21 x 3.8 cm.)
ID 10
Condition: All watercolors present well. Wear commensurate with age. Imperfections and some tears on backing pages present. Please see photos. 1st Image is a photoshop composition for esthetic purposes. To see a full list of Images please visit collectivehudson.com
Watercolors are numbered on their mounts in pencil from 259 to 313, with a few pages now with blanks, glue stains indicating where a watercolor was removed from the original album
We strive to provide clear, detailed photographs of every item so you can bid with confidence. While condition reports are not available for every lot, please know that all items are sold as is, and light wear consistent with age and use should be expected. If you’d like more specific information about a particular piece, we’re happy to help—just reach out at least 24 hours before the auction begins.
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