Mezzotints & Engravings after J.M.W.Turner.pdf - Sanders of Oxford

22. Sun-Rise. Whiting Fishing at Margate.
Mezzotint
Thomas Lupton after J.M.W Turner
Published June 1st, 1825, by W.B Cooke, 9 Soho
Square.
Image 313 x 210 mm, Plate 352 x 265 mm, Sheet
530 x 366 mm
unmounted
Rawlinson 772. First published state.
Preceded by a scene of The Eddystone Light House
in 1824, Thomas Lupton’s mezzotint of Margate
was both the second, and the concluding work in a
projected series of prints after designs by Turner
entitled Marine Views. The publisher, W.B. Cooke,
intended for the works to be issued individually and
at intervals. Turner contributed seven fine
watercolours of the British coast. However, owing
to a collapse in the relationship between artist and
publisher, the series, much like the ship at the base
of the Eddystone, would founder.
Before the development of Britain's rail network,
Margate was the most convenient seaside resort
from London. Accessible by steam packet, Turner
often used it as a base from which to explore the
Kentish coast. In this particular exploration,
Turner’s depiction of twilight is masterful. Clouds
dissolve around the rising sun and the sky is awash
with its glow. It is mirrored on the surface of the
water in a lustrous stripe. In the fishing boat on the
left, rays highlight whiting in a wicker basket. To
the right, the effects of sunlight are affected by the
act of fishing itself. As a man extends his net into
the water the reflected sheen of the trawlermen is
contorted. Framed by the masts of the ships and
vague in the morning haze, Kingsgate Castle and
the townscape of Margate stretch into the distance.
Condition: Trimmed to platemark and tiped to
album page. Singular dot of foxing to the top lefthand
corner of the sheet. [27616]
£200
23. The Edystone Light House (Eddystone)
Mezzotint
Thomas Lupton after J.M.W Turner
Published March 1st, 1824, by W.B Cooke, 9 Soho
Square.
Image 312 x 210 mm, Plate 349 x 252 mm
unmounted
Rawlinson 771. First published state.
The strengths of the artist and engraver can be
witnessed in The Eddystone Light House. Sea spray
is stunningly conveyed as it curls on the ends of
waves before dissipating into the atmosphere.
Storm and sea almost blend around the focal point
of the lighthouse. Surpassing the crescent moon on
the left, the lamp of the tower provides the strongest
source of light in this nocturnal scene. The building
illuminates reams of water as they crash against the
base of its structure, it also sheds light upon the
remains of a vessel. Fractures of wood pierce the
water line revealing their splintered ends. Cordage
flails wildly as the mast is submerged by the
torrent. Seagulls flirt above the wreckage.
Condition: Trimmed to platemark. Time toning to
the sheet. Paper is fragile and plate contains several
small tears; one of which goes through the
publication line but does not obscure the letters.
[27639]
£150