Gallery
J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851)
Pembroke Castle, c.1829-1830
This picture contrasts the historic Welsh castle with the busy fishermen on the foreshore checking their catch, while other boats are still wrestling with the wind in the bay. It was one of ninety-six watercolours painted for Picturesque Views of England and Wales, a book to be engraved by Charles Heath, which sadly failed and left Heath bankrupt. Turner's extraordinary skill conveys every detail of the changing light and weather, particularly the moisture in the atmosphere.
J.M.W. Turner
Turner's career began with picturesque views of places like this one, though he became more famous as a painter of grand historical oils and large-scale watercolour compositions. He delighted in recording the variety of everyday life as well as the subtleties of light and atmosphere in the landscape.
Activities, discussions and questions
» Where are the light parts of the picture? What is the light
doing in this picture?
» How do you think this picture was physically built up?
» How would we tell people about the beauty of England and Wales
today?
J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851)
Pembroke Castle, c.1829-1830
Material: Watercolour on paper
Dimensions: 29.8 cm x 42.6 cm
Place made: Wales
Accession No: A 367
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