The English School of Painting

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1885 Excerpt: ...In this year 1819, after his Italian journey, Turner's style underwent a singular change. In his first manner of painting, the portions of shadow in his picture are much more extensive than those of light; his execution is resolute of work, while he labours in well-known tracks. But when the painter, having perfected the means of accomplishment, attempts with ever-increasing zeal to vigorous, and accurate, and there is much in it to remind one that only a short time ago his water-colours were remarkable for their excessive care and f1nish. But from this time he paints in full light, with no contrasting shade, employing all the colours of the rainbow, and working in brilliant tints and primary tones--purple, blue, and orange. His most striking pictures of this kind are The Bay of Baias (1823), and Ulysses Deriding Polyphemus (1829). During the last twenty years of his life Turner's ever-increasing fiery love for effects in light and colour caused him to produce the most extraordinary works, in which every form is defined only by unsteady limitations of most subtle and effulgent colours proceeding from iridescence of solar light. As examples of this style I will mention the harmonious composition, Approach to Venice (1843), and the celebrated Great Western Railway (1844). Some of the gifted artist's most finished works, however, also belong to this period, notably Childe Harold's Pilgrimage (1832), and The Fighting Timiraire (1839). Amongst the books illustrated by Turner we may name, Southern Coast Scenery, England and Wales, Rivers of France, Rogers's Poems and his Italy. The artist, who was very well read, often took his su...