Venice by Moonlight with Boats off a Campanile

After J. M. W. Turner · Watercolour on paper, late 19th century

ArtistAfter J. M. W. TurnerMediumWatercolour on paper mounted to painter’s boardSignatureNo signatureFrameIn a modern moulded gilt frameDateLate 19th centuryDimensions11½ × 7½ inches (sight); 19½ × 15½ inches (frame)ConditionVery good condition, glue residue from old mount to extremities, concealed under subsequent mount.

The present charming and exquisite watercolour is based on a watercolour sketch done by Turner in 1840, one of a number of sketches in a sketchbook that Turner used to jot down ideas that could form the basis of subsequent paintings, whether watercolours or oils.

A handwritten label affixed to an old wood backing to the painting, now lost, ascribes the piece to Amy Durell, most likely Amy Clara Durell (1865–1950), a noted portrait painter and fellow of the Royal Academy. If the attribution is correct, the present work was likely an early study.

A truly charming and evocative after Turner, magnificently catching the original’s subtle colour palette and brooding light. The Turner original is in the Tate collection, London (view at Tate.org.uk).

Venice by Moonlight with Boats off a Campanile, view 2

Venice by Moonlight with Boats off a Campanile, view 3

Venice by Moonlight with Boats off a Campanile, view 4

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