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Interior of Ely Cathedral - Looking Towards the North Transept and Chancel by Joseph Mallord Wi…
Interior of Ely Cathedral - North Transept and Chancel
Interior of Ely Cathedral - Looking Towards the North Transept and Chancel by Joseph Mallord Wi…
Interior of Ely Cathedral - Looking Towards the North Transept and Chancel by Joseph Mallord William Turner

Interior of Ely Cathedral - North Transept and Chancel

Artist (London, England, 1775 - 1851)
Date1797
Mediumwatercolour on paper
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsSight Size: Height: 62.5 cm, Width: 48 cm
Frame: Height: 94 cm, Width: 77 cm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1954 with income from the Lyon Bequest.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG003016
Other Titles
  • Interior of Ely Cathedral - Looking Towards the North Transept and Chancel
About MeEarly in his career Turner was commissioned by the Bishop of Ely, Dr Yorke, to make paintings of Ely cathedral, but may well have made this very large and finished watercolour for his own amusement as it was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1796.

This watercolour is not, as his later works were, an exploration of light and colour, but more a detailed description of this particular and magnificent building. Yet even in this early work he was already painting in a markedly different way from his peers - Turner emphasises the height and lightness of the tower by simplifying its intricate design - showing only four palm-like ribs rising up to each side of the lantern, rather than the actual five. This lightness is further emphasised by the rays of morning light falling from the lantern windows and into the nave.


More About Me

The iridescent light is a central motif of the work, perhaps reflecting on the pursuit of illumination through faith.