Turner. Thames & Hudson World of Art

World of Art

by Graham Reynolds

A study of the life and works of Joseph Mallord William Turner. A precocious talent, he first exhibited at the Royal Academy at the age of 15, an institution that was to play a major part in his life, recognizing his genius and supporting him against many contemporary arbiters of taste.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Biography, Art History

Paperback

First published December 1, 1969

About the author

Arthur Graham Reynolds CVO OBE FBA (10 January 1914 – 13 October 2013) was an English art historian who was Keeper of Paintings at the Victoria and Albert Museum. He was a leading expert on portrait miniatures and the art of John Constable, for whose works he wrote the catalogue raisonné.

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Predominantly B&W illustrations are a bit of an irony when writing about the artist who to came to epitomise the expression of light and colour and led the way for French Impressionism but at least the text on Turner's life and work is intelligible and not characterised by Freudian gibberish like the previous book on Turner I read.

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and Concise volume on the evolution and background of Turner.
A good and inclusive book that would not deter beginners with complicated " terminologies ". Highly recommend as a first glimpse into JMW Turners work and life.
Recommendations for slightly more detailed materials would be appreciated.

[Levon]

Turner… my beloved… <333

[lookingformanon · Rating 5 out of 5]

my guy Turner

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Difficult to review the first art history book that I’ve read because it was about my favorite author. Nonetheless, it was an easy read as it integrated criticism and biography. I enjoyed reading about how Turner’s life experiences influenced his paintings, and despite its breadth, I could still learn something about many of the paintings. I wish the book also discussed broader political, economic, and cultural influences (eg, the MFA Boston’s recent exhibit) and how Turner’s genius carried over to subsequent generations.

[Ralph Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beginning to think the character of Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean was named after this guy.