St. Augustine’s Gate, Canterbury
between 1792 and 1793
Before he became the master of swirling light and steam trains, a teenage J.M.W. Turner was busy sketching the crumbling ruins of England for topographical prints. Here, he captures the imposing, roofless shell of St. Augustine’s Gate in Canterbury, juxtaposing the grand, gothic archway against humble, thatched cottages leaning in next door. It’s a classic example of the 'picturesque' trend of the 1790s, where decay was considered beautiful. You can almost feel the damp English air in the soft washes of grey and blue, showing off the young artist's incredible talent for atmosphere long before he became famous for his wild, abstract sunsets.
- Technique
- Watercolor
- Material
- Paper
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