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The Late Works of J. M. W. Turner

The Artist and his Critics
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Late Works of J. M. W. Turner by Sam Smiles explores the final and most daring years of Turner’s artistic career, from 1835 until his death in 1851. It offers new interpretations of some of his most significant late paintings and watercolours, contextualising them within his personal, commercial, and critical circumstances. The study reveals how Turner consolidated his lifelong artistic principles in these later works, challenging outdated notions about his last decades.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book will appeal to students, scholars, and enthusiasts of art history and British culture, particularly those interested in J. M. W. Turner’s life, late artistic style, and the context of 19th-century art production.

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

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Turner Society News praises this as a "scholarly and impeccably detailed examination" that presents a rich and absorbing account of Turner’s late career, replacing clichéd images with a complex portrait of an artist engaged with his work and reputation even in declining health. Stephen Bann describes it as a "magnificent study" that deepens understanding of an artist continually revealing new facets.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781913107161

Publisher: Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 27 October 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art

Illustration: 160 color + b-w illus.

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 216.0mm

Height: 267.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 312

About the Author

Sam Smiles is honorary professor at the University of Exeter.

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