J.M.W. Turner Paintings for Study / Juliet and her Nurse

J.M.W. Turner. Juliet and Her Nurse. Oil on canvas. 1836. Exh. Royal Academy 1836. 36 1/2 x 48 1/2. (92 x 123). In Sotheby Parke Bernet auction book. New York: Sotheby Parke Bernet, 1980. Private collection, Argentina.

     This painting was put up for auction in 1980, after passing through 8 previous owners, including Turner himself. The interesting book issued by the auction house is in my office.

     There was an intriguing controversy concerning whether the flaming gold colors were realistically placed within this composition. John Ruskin's response to the controversy, and the controversy itself, demonstrates the extent to which Turner's Romantic concepts of painting were not universally appreciated in the 1830's.