Artwork
Portrait of J. M. W. Turner
Portrait of J. M. W. Turner is a drawing by Richard Redgrave. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1850 pencil drawing by Richard Redgrave portrays the head of renowned artist J.M.W. Turner in a profile view. The sketch captures Turner's likeness with characteristic features, including a high forehead, neatly trimmed beard, and attire consisting of a high-collared coat with a cravat.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, J.M.W. Turner, is depicted in a contemplative pose, looking down and slightly to the side. The drawing conveys a sense of informality, suggesting a quick study or sketch rather than a formal portrait.
Technique & Style
Executed in soft pencil lines, the drawing features a loose and rapid technique, with some areas left fuzzy. The overall effect is one of spontaneity, underscored by the artist's hasty signature in the corner.
History & Provenance
Created in 1850 by Richard Redgrave, specific details regarding the drawing's provenance and historical context within Redgrave's oeuvre are not provided in the available information.
Context
While the drawing lacks the polish of a finished work, it offers insight into the practice of quick sketches among artists of the time, potentially serving as a preliminary study or an exercise in capturing likeness.
Legacy
The drawing's significance lies in its portrayal of a prominent artistic figure of the time, J.M.W. Turner, by a contemporary artist, Richard Redgrave, though its broader impact or influence on subsequent art movements is not explicitly defined by the provided details.
Artist & collection
Artist
Richard Redgrave was an English landscape artist, genre painter, author, and administrator.
