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

Interior of Ely Cathedral - North Transept and Chancel

Artist Joseph Mallord William Turner (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

Keywords

Historic Title

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.

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