Famed Oil Painting Emerges from Obscurity After 150 Years

A long-lost oil painting by the renowned British artist J.M.W. Turner is set to be auctioned off with an estimated value of up to £300,000. The painting, titled ‘The Rising Squall’, has been missing for over 150 years, and its discovery is a significant find for art historians and enthusiasts.

The painting, which showcases a dramatic view of a former hot spring and spa in Bristol, was first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1793, just three days after Turner’s 18th birthday. It was later purchased by Reverend Robert Nixon, a customer of Turner’s father’s barber shop, and remained in his family’s possession until it fell into obscurity.

The painting’s history became known after it was cleaned last year, revealing Turner’s signature. Experts had previously believed that Turner’s earliest exhibited oil painting was ‘Fisherman at Sea’, but it is now clear that ‘The Rising Squall’ predates it.

Joseph Mallord William Turner, commonly known as J.M.W. Turner, was a British artist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest landscape painters of all time. Born in 1775 in Covent Garden, London, Turner was the son of a barber and a Quaker mother. He was a prolific artist who produced over 550 oil paintings, 2,000 watercolors, and 30,000 sketches throughout his lifetime.

Turner’s artistic style was characterized by his use of light and color to evoke a sense of drama and emotion. He was particularly known for his landscape paintings, which often featured atmospheric and imaginative depictions of the natural world. Some of his most famous works include ‘The Fighting Temeraire’, ‘Rain, Steam and Speed’, and ‘The Grand Canal, Venice’.

According to Julian Gascoigne, Sotheby’s senior specialist, the painting provides a fascinating insight into Turner’s early style and represents the artist’s ambition and skill as a teenage oil painter. Gascoigne notes that the painting was likely created as part of Turner’s first artistic tour, during which he traveled from London to the West Country.

‘The Rising Squall’ will be displayed in a public exhibition at Sotheby’s in London from June 28 to July 1 before it is auctioned off. The painting’s estimated value is a testament to its significance and rarity, and its discovery is a major find for the art world.

The painting’s journey from obscurity to auction is a remarkable one. It is believed to have made its way around the world, with the last recorded exhibition taking place in Tasmania, Australia, in 1858. The painting’s return to the UK and its subsequent discovery are a testament to the power of art to transcend time and geography.

Turner’s legacy continues to be celebrated today, and his paintings remain some of the most iconic and beloved works of art in the world. His influence can be seen in the work of countless artists, from the Impressionists to the Expressionists, and his paintings continue to inspire and awe audiences around the globe.

‘The Rising Squall’ is not only a significant find for art historians but also a testament to the enduring power of Turner’s art. As Gascoigne notes, the painting represents Turner’s early style and ambition, and its discovery is a reminder of the artist’s incredible talent and skill.

The public exhibition of ‘The Rising Squall’ at Sotheby’s will provide a rare opportunity for art lovers to see the painting up close and to appreciate its beauty and significance. The exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in art, history, or Turner’s work.