J. M. W. Turner: A Wonderful Range of Mind

J. M. W. Turner, one of the world's greatest landscape painters, has been the focus of a great deal of historical research in recent years. In this handsome book, John Gage utilizes what we now know about the artist to provide a historical context for his work. Gage's study offers both a new perspective on Turner's art and a fresh characterization of the man himself — as the most adventurous and intellectual artist of his generation in England. The book, organized as a thematic analysis, presents this multifaceted artist and his art from several points of view. It begins with an examination of the development of the formalist criticism of Turner during his lifetime and, more significantly, after his death. Each subsequent chapter discusses one aspect of Turner's background and technique; these include his training and working methods, extensive travels, relationship to ancient and modern art, patrons, writing, and intellectual interests generally. Gage traces these themes throughout Turner's long working life, continuously relating them to specific examples of his work. And, because of this thematic treatment, the book closes with a full and detailed chronology of Turner's life. The book reproduces many of Turner's most famous works, such as Snowstorm: Hannibal and his army crossing the Alps, Ulysses deriding Polyphemus, The Slave-Ship, Norham Castle: Sunrise, and Rain, Steam and Speed. In addition, there are numerous unfamiliar works —including sheets from the still largely unknown sketchbooks — and a wealth of comparative art work. Beautifully illustrated, engagingly written, and full of newly discovered information, this study of Turner will be both a valuable introduction for the general reader and a useful tool for specialists in the field.