J.M.W. Turner

J.M.W. Turner was considered a controversial figure in his day, but is now widely regarded as one of the greatest landscape painters in the history of art, creating compelling and atmospheric work in oil and watercolour as well as being skilled printmaker. Commonly known as 'the painter of light', his work is regarded as a romantic preface to Impressionism. Drawing mainly on works in Tate's unparalleled collection, this lavishly illustrated book provides a general survey of Turner as a master artist. Published to coincide with a major touring exhibition in Australia and Japan, the book also considers his work in relation to colonial art of the time, as well as the importance of the print market and discussions on Turner's methods and materials. with essays from key academics and a detailed biography, this comprehensive study is a welcome addition for the general reader on Turner's oeuvre, his importance within the development of British art and his place as the figurehead of Tate's national collection.