Artwork

Scene on the French Coast

Scene on the French Coast, by Charles Turner, ink, 1807
Scene on the French Coast, by Charles Turner, ink, 1807

Scene on the French Coast is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Turner. It dates from 1807 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Scene on the French Coast is a print created by Charles Turner in 1807, combining etching and mezzotint techniques.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a dynamic coastal scene in France, featuring a busy beach with ships, horsemen, and onlookers, set against a dramatic sky with rough seas and a castle-like structure in the background.

Technique & Style

Turner utilized the tonal contrasts characteristic of mezzotint to convey light and movement, creating a moody atmosphere through shading and dark clouds.

History & Provenance

Charles Turner, an English engraver and draughtsman known for portraiture, collaborated with J. M. W. Turner on early plates for the latter's Liber Studiorum, showcasing his skill in printmaking.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Charles Turner

Artist

Charles Turner

Charles Turner (31 August 1774 – 1 August 1857) was an English engraver and draughtsman who specialised in portraiture. He collaborated with J. M. W. Turner (to whom he was not related) on the early plates of the same's Liber Studiorum.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.