The Fighting Temeraire: A Framed 19th C. Engraving After J. M. W. Turner
This beautiful 19th century framed engraving "The Fighting Temeraire" by James Tibbetts Willmore is based on an original painting by the renowned British artist J.M.W. Turner. It was published by James S. Virtue & Co. in London between 1859-1875. It depicts the once mighty British warship the HMS Temeraire being towed away down the river Thames by a much smaller steamboat to a ship-breaking yard to be broken up for scrap. The Temeraire was first launched in 1798 and represented the pinnacle of British ship-building. 180-feet long, constructed of English oak and armed with 98 guns, she was one of the largest warships of the period. The Temeraire became a symbol of British pride and military power that endured throughout the 19th century. The man-of-war served during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and was among the last serving ships to have been at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It became one of the many older ships put out of service in the 1830s and 1840s. The once mighty and feared ship symbolizes a once magnificent, but now obsolete, technology. Turner seems to lament her inglorious final journey, being towed by a less magnificent, but modern steam powered tugboat.
Creator: After J.M.W. Turner (1775 - 1851, British)
Creation Year: 1859
Dimensions: Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)
Width: 20.5 in (52.07 cm)
Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
Medium: Engraving
Condition: See description below.
This beautiful 19th century framed engraving "The Fighting Temeraire" by James Tibbetts Willmore is based on an original painting by the renowned British artist J.M.W. Turner. It was published by James S. Virtue & Co. in London between 1859-1875. It depicts the once mighty British warship the HMS Temeraire being towed away down the river Thames by a much smaller steamboat to a ship-breaking yard to be broken up for scrap. The Temeraire was first launched in 1798 and represented the pinnacle of British ship-building. 180-feet long, constructed of English oak and armed with 98 guns, she was one of the largest warships of the period. The Temeraire became a symbol of British pride and military power that endured throughout the 19th century. The man-of-war served during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and was among the last serving ships to have been at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It became one of the many older ships put out of service in the 1830s and 1840s. The once mighty and feared ship symbolizes a once magnificent, but now obsolete, technology. Turner seems to lament her inglorious final journey, being towed by a less magnificent, but modern steam powered tugboat.
Creator: After J.M.W. Turner (1775 - 1851, British)
Creation Year: 1859
Dimensions: Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)
Width: 20.5 in (52.07 cm)
Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
Medium: Engraving
Condition: See description below.
This beautiful 19th century framed engraving "The Fighting Temeraire" by James Tibbetts Willmore is based on an original painting by the renowned British artist J.M.W. Turner. It was published by James S. Virtue & Co. in London between 1859-1875. It depicts the once mighty British warship the HMS Temeraire being towed away down the river Thames by a much smaller steamboat to a ship-breaking yard to be broken up for scrap. The Temeraire was first launched in 1798 and represented the pinnacle of British ship-building. 180-feet long, constructed of English oak and armed with 98 guns, she was one of the largest warships of the period. The Temeraire became a symbol of British pride and military power that endured throughout the 19th century. The man-of-war served during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and was among the last serving ships to have been at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It became one of the many older ships put out of service in the 1830s and 1840s. The once mighty and feared ship symbolizes a once magnificent, but now obsolete, technology. Turner seems to lament her inglorious final journey, being towed by a less magnificent, but modern steam powered tugboat.
Creator: After J.M.W. Turner (1775 - 1851, British)
Creation Year: 1859
Dimensions: Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)
Width: 20.5 in (52.07 cm)
Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
Medium: Engraving
Condition: See description below.
The Turner painting was created in 1838 and is now held in the National Gallery in London. Willmore's engraving, created in 1859, captures the dramatic scene with great detail and skill. The image has become an iconic representation of the decline of Britain's naval power and the transition from sail to steam in the 19th century. The sunset in the background is symbolic of the sun going down on British naval power and tradition. The painting conveys profound and diverse themes that are central to the human experience: those of mortality and change, technology and progress, heroism and brutality. The painting demonstrates Turner’s skill as an artist. His ability to produce scenes of great beauty that are dramatic, but are also symbolic, stimulating both thoughtful analysis, as well as emotion. Turner's painting was voted by the British public in a 2005 BBC radio sponsored survey to be the British people's favorite painting of all time. In 2020 it was included on a new British banknote, along with Turner's own painting of himself.
This colorful 19th century engraving is presented in a gold-colored wood frame and a cream-colored French mat highlighted with a light blue band and thinner mustard and gold-colored bands. There is a gold-colored fillet which further embellishes the engraving. The frame measures 18" high, 20.5" wide and 1" deep. The engraving, frame and mat are in excellent condition.
This engraving is held by several museums and institutions, including: The British Museum, The Metropolitan Museum. The Tate Museum, The Victoria and Albert Museum and The Yale Center for British Art.
Joseph Mallord William (J.M.W.) Turner (1775-1851) was an English painter who is widely considered one of the greatest landscape painters in Western art history. Born in London, he showed a remarkable talent for art from a young age, and studied at the Royal Academy of Arts from the age of 14. He quickly gained recognition for his watercolor landscapes, which were highly innovative and expressive. Turner's style evolved over time, and he became increasingly interested in the effects of light and color. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, and his experiences of the natural world, particularly the sea and the sky, had a profound influence on his art. His paintings are known for their luminosity, atmospheric effects, and dramatic use of color. Despite facing criticism and ridicule from some of his contemporaries, Turner continued to push the boundaries of art, experimenting with new techniques and styles throughout his career. He was a prolific artist, creating thousands of paintings, sketches, and watercolors, and his legacy continues to inspire artists today.
Edward Goodall (1795-1870) was a renowned English landscape and portrait painter, widely recognized for his exceptional talent and meticulous attention to detail. Goodall's interest in landscapes eventually extended to portraiture, and he gained recognition for his ability to depict the unique character and expressions of his subjects. His portraits possessed a remarkable depth and realism, capturing not just physical appearances but also the inner emotions and personalities of the individuals he painted. In addition to his prowess as a painter, Goodall was also an accomplished etcher, engraver, and illustrator. His works were often featured in prominent publications of the time, including illustrated books and periodicals. His intricate engravings showcased his exceptional technical skill and contributed to the dissemination of his artistic vision to a wider audience. Edward Goodall's talent and dedication earned him considerable acclaim during his lifetime. He exhibited his works at the Royal Academy and other prestigious art institutions, garnering praise for his exceptional technique and artistic sensibility. His contributions to the art world were also recognized through his appointment as a member of the Royal Society of Painters and Etchers. Today, Goodall's paintings and engravings continue to be cherished for their beauty and historical significance. They provide a window into the landscapes and society of the 19th century, capturing a fleeting moment in time with remarkable skill and artistry.
