An immaculate painting of Rome by 19th century British artist J.M.W Turner could sell for as much as 18 million pounds (US$26 million) at a Sotheby’s London auction on July 7. Turner’s painting, Modern Rome–Campo Vaccino, is said to be one of the greatest masterpieces by Britain’s finest and most celebrated artists.
As Turner’s final depiction of Rome, it marks the culmination of his fascination with Italy, particularly Rome and his absorption of the strong light there, which underlies most of his great paintings of the last 20 years of his life.
Turner’s fascination with Rome also lay in the potent contrast between the ancient city, the cradle of Western civilization, and the modern city teeming with life and activity.
Dutch and Flemish paintings from the 17th century are the mainstay of the Old Master and British Paintings Evening Sale, with a series of outstanding works by the Brueghel family of artists.
There are many other masterful British paintings in the sale, including two watercolors by Turner, a cloud scene by Constable, and a lioness depiction by James Ward.
As Turner’s final depiction of Rome, it marks the culmination of his fascination with Italy, particularly Rome and his absorption of the strong light there, which underlies most of his great paintings of the last 20 years of his life.
Turner’s fascination with Rome also lay in the potent contrast between the ancient city, the cradle of Western civilization, and the modern city teeming with life and activity.
Dutch and Flemish paintings from the 17th century are the mainstay of the Old Master and British Paintings Evening Sale, with a series of outstanding works by the Brueghel family of artists.
There are many other masterful British paintings in the sale, including two watercolors by Turner, a cloud scene by Constable, and a lioness depiction by James Ward.
