JMW Turner's 'Love Letter to Rome' Set for Record-Breaking Auction
JMW Turner's painting 'Rome, From Mount Aventine' is expected to sell for a record £50m at a Sotheby's auction in December.
In Brief
- •JMW Turner's painting 'Rome, From Mount Aventine' is expected to sell for a record £50m at a Sotheby's auction in December.
- •The painting, described as Turner's 'great love letter' to Rome, will be displayed in Rome, Hong Kong, and New York before the auction.
- •The work has only changed hands twice since it was commissioned in the 1820s and is in excellent condition.
- •Turner's visit to Rome in the 1820s inspired several of his paintings, with this being the only one depicting the city as it appeared during his time.
- •The painting is expected to be acquired by a public museum to ensure its preservation and public access.
Why It Matters
JMW Turner's 'Rome, From Mount Aventine' is a significant piece of art history, offering a unique glimpse into the city as it appeared during Turner's time. The painting's potential sale for a record-breaking price highlights the growing interest and value of Turner's works in the art market. Additionally, the painting's acquisition by a public museum would ensure its preservation and accessibility to the public, contributing to the cultural heritage of Rome and the broader art world.
Key Details
- Estimated Sale Price
- £50m
- Previous Sale Price
- £30.3m
- Auction Date
- 9 December
- Painting Condition
- Original canvas and frame, unlined, with visible brush marks and fingerprints
- Turner's Visits to Rome
- 1819 and late 1820s
Context & Background
JMW Turner was a prominent British painter known for his romantic and dramatic landscapes. His visits to Rome in the early 19th century inspired several of his works, with 'Rome, From Mount Aventine' being the only painting depicting the city as it appeared during his time.
What To Watch
9 December: Auction of 'Rome, From Mount Aventine' at Sotheby's
Original Reporting & Sources
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