ARTWORKS

Margate (?), from the Sea

Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775–1851)

The National Gallery, London

Margate (?), from the Sea

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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As with many of Turner’s paintings that were never exhibited in his lifetime the title of this picture was not his choice, but was decided on some 50 years later. We can’t be sure that it shows the north Kent seaside town of Margate, but the white cliffs just visible on the horizon recall other views of Margate by Turner. He was a frequent visitor to the town, particularly later in life, when he stayed with his companion, Mrs Booth, who lived above the harbour.

Whether or not the painting is of Margate is not that important, as the distance from the shore and the weather conditions would have made a detailed study of the buildings impossible. Instead, the painting is a fine example of Turner’s lifelong preoccupation with the changing character of the sky and the sea, and of the painterly freedom of his later works.

The National Gallery, London

London

Read more on The National Gallery, London
Title

Margate (?), from the Sea

Date

about 1835-40

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 91.2 x W 122.2 cm

Accession number

NG1984

Acquisition method

Turner Bequest, 1856

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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Artist or maker

Joseph Mallord William Turner

1775–1851

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