I. Biography

The plan.

I. Biography

II. Art

The painter of light

Legacy

Reproductions with a description

III. «The Evening Star»

IV. Conclusion

Literature.

I. Biography

English landscape painter, b. London. Turner was the foremost English romantic painter and the most original of English landscape artists; in watercolor he is unsurpassed. In 1785, because of the difficult situation in the family (his mother was mentally ill), Joseph William was sent to the London suburb of Brentford, where he lived with his uncle. The son of a barber, he received almost no general education but at 14 was already a student at the Royal Academy of Arts and three years later was making topographical drawings for magazines. In 1791 for the first time he exhibited two watercolors at the Royal Academy. In the following 10 years he exhibited there regularly, was elected a member (1802), and was made professor of perspective (1807). By 1799 the sale of his work had freed him from drudgery and he devoted himself to the visionary interpretations of landscape for which he became famous.

Turner carefully studied the old masters and contemporary artists. Copying other people's work, he creatively rethought foreign images, expressing his own vision. Especially admired his Claude Lorrain. Seeing the picture of the " Departure of the Queen of Sheba, " Turner could not refrain from tears. The artist explained his reaction that he would never make something like that. Years later, Turner bequeathed his " Dido, founder of Carthage, " which he regarded as an unsurpassed masterpiece, National Gallery, with the condition that it is hung next to " sail the Queen of Sheba."

November 4, 1799 Turner, who by that time a popular artist, he was elected a corresponding member of the Royal Academy. In 1801 he exhibited at the Academy of the painting " The sea at Bridgewater, " which was a resounding success, and the painter Benjamin West Turner even compared to Rembrandt. February 10, 1802 Turner became the youngest artist to be awarded the title of Royal Academician.

In 1819, Turner's first visit to Italy. He traveled to Turin, Milan, Rome, Venice and Naples. Studied the works of Titian, Tintoretto, Raphael, contemporary Italian artists. After that, his painting became more colorful palette dominated by intense primary colors. A special place in the artist took a Venetian theme. He is three times (in 1819, 1833, 1840) was in this extraordinary city. These memories fueled his imagination for years.

Already in the 1800's, the success of Turner called the comments for " freedom" and the bright colors of paintings. Later, an innovative artist, anticipating achieving painting late XIX - early XX century. Caused a mixed assessment in contemporary society.

Some of his works, akin to abstract art, created by the artist's reputation madman. Queen Victoria rejected his elevation to the dignity of knighthood. In spite of this, John Ruskin, called it " the greatest artist of all time."

He had few close friends except for his father, who lived with him for 30 years, eventually working as his studio assistant. His father's death in 1829 had a profound effect on him, and thereafter he was subject to bouts of depression. He never married but had a relationship with an older widow, Sarah Danby.

He died in the house of his mistress Sophia Caroline Booth in Cheyne Walk, Chelsea on 19 December 1851. He is said to have uttered the last words " The sun is God" before expiring.

William Turner lived a long and happy life (76 years), dedicating it to his hobby.

He is commonly known as " the painter of light" and his work is regarded as a Romantic preface to Impressionism.

II.Art