JMW Turner (1775-1851)
August 16, 2007 by a1iyah
Joseph Mallord William Turner was born on April 23, 1775 in London. His earlier paintings were mostly watercolors and he used landscapes for subjects. He then moved to oil paintings.
His works were divided into three periods:
In the first period, his subjects were mythological and historical scenes.
In the second period, his works were defined by more brilliant colors and diffusion of light.
In the third period, his paintings were represented as blurred masses in a mist of color.
His work was influential in impressionism.
The Dido Building Carthage (The Rise of the Carthaginian Empire) is one of my favorite paintings of JMW Turner.
Dido building Carthage; or, the Rise of The Carthaginian Empire, 1815
Turner so loved this painting, that he requested his body be wrapped in the canvas upon his death. Turners executer of his will Francis Chantry pointed out to Turner that as soon as you are buried I will see you taken up and unrolled. The will was altered the painting now hangs in the National Gallery, London. By request from Turner, it’s now next to a seaport view by Claude in the wonderful room 15