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All Tate Reports Tate Report 06/07

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  • JMW Turner 1775–1851
  • The Blue Rigi, Sunrise 1842
  • Watercolour on paper
  • 297 x 450mm
  • Purchased from a private collection through Christie's, London with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, The Art Fund (including generous support from David and Susan Gradel and from other members of the public through the Save the Rigi appeal), Tate Members and other donors 2007
  • Tate
  • T12336
  • View work within Tate Collection
JMW Turner: The Blue Rigi, Sunrise

© Tate

The Blue Rigi, Sunrise is a highly finished watercolour and widely regarded as one of JMW Turner's greatest works, as well as being arguably among the very finest watercolours ever painted. It is in exceptional condition and is the only late finished watercolour in the Tate Collection. Tate also holds all Turner's preparatory work for the watercolour, including exemplary sketches and the Lucerne sketchbook for the Rigi series. The acquisition of The Blue Rigi, Sunrise allows Tate to reveal the full brilliance of the artist’s mature work. It was purchased through the combined efforts of Tate, Tate Members, The Art Fund, the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the public.

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