J.M.W. Turner. Richmond Castle and Richmond Bridge from the River. 1816-1820

Joseph Mallord William Turner 1775-1851

"Richmond Castle and Richmond  Bridge from the River"
c1816 - 1827

Graphite on paper  21 x 28cm.

This drawing is 'worked up' from the 1816 'Yorkshire 2' sketchbook. (Tate Gallery) Added are the fishermen for figurative interest. There are also colour notes either for additional information for an etching or a further work. With good provenance and the unique format of inscription employed by Charles Gasc.  Charles Gasc and his brother Paul-Emile were prominent mid 19th century french art collectors. Drawings with Charles Gasc provenance can be seen in many major museums and galleries throughout the world including the Met and the Rijksmuseum.

Of interest are the 'colour notes' which are clearly in Turners' hand. Additionally, seemingly in the same hand, are inscribed the letters L 8. Perhaps the asking price Turner placed on this work was £8.

We can also see that the backboard is original. With a window cut out to show the inscription. There is a prominent label attached. (See image.) This label is clearly written by Charles Gasc. At that time Tuner was known as William Turner. 

It is likely that this drawing was intended for the 'Picturesque Views in England and Wales'   series. (The colour notes are an aid for  the engraver  to determine the depth of shading.) As such it is a rare extant example of Turner's preparatory drawings for this oeuvre. It would seem the drawing was sold before being submitted to the engraver.


Provenance:

The inscription states that the drawing was given (to Charles Gasc) by M. Kamel on 1st July 1860. By co-incidence Charles Gasc acquired another drawing on this same date ... The Death of Seneca by Peyron at the  Hotel Drouot Auction house. (Paris.) It is possible that there was some deal or exchange on those premises?

Original owner : Monsieur Kamel  
 
01/07/1860
Charles Gasc 1818 - 1869:
Collectors Stamp (red ink) Lugt 543 (lower right)

Inscription in brown ink :
"Dessin donne par M. Kamel le 1er Juillet  1860 a Paris H = 0,m218 L=0,m294 C Gasc"

13/02/2013
From the collection of Dick Stephens of Ludlow.
Purchased Lot 573 Brightwells Fine Art (Auction). Leominster, Herefordshire.
(Described as 'Circle of J.M.W. Turner.')


Also inscribed in graphite  "Turner" and "1er Julliet" which was probably an aid memoir for Charles Gasc prior to writing the description on the back.


Colour notes "Blue" "Black" and "Pinkish" or "Darkish"?

Joseph Mallord William Turner with Charles Gasc Provenance and Inscription. July 1st 1860

Price on application. ... This drawing will make a substantial sum by auction. However the commission, payable by both vendor and purchaser is considerable. A private sale may be satisfactory for both parties.
​
Kishor, Annabel <[email protected]>Wed, Nov 16, 2016, 5:40 PM
to me
Dear Mr Spong,
 
Apologies for the delay in getting back to you – we have been finishing a catalogue and this had rather slipped through the net. We have looked at the image with a Turner expert, and it certainly looks plausible. We would love to see it when you are next in London if at all possible?
 
Kind regards,
Annabel
 
Annabel Kishor
British Art on Paper
CHRISTIE'S
Tel: +44 (0)20 7389 2709
Fax: +44 (0)20 7389 2034
[email protected]



A rare opportunity to acquire a Turner from a private collection.

Charles Gasc inscription.

J.M.W. Turner Colour Notes

LUGT 543 Charles Gasc and L - 8

J.M.W. Turner Colour Notes

The drawing is worked up from The sketch below. Richmond Castle and Bridge from the River is in the Yorkshire 2 sketchbook at the Tate.
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/turner-richmond-castle-and-bridge-from-the-west-d11229 

Richmond Castle and Bridge from the River. Yorkshire 2 Sketchbook 1816 ...Tate

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