Engraved by Miller after Turner. ( England and Wales. Rawlinson 275. Wilton 851.) Rawlinson comments: 'This beautiful plate is one of Miller's triumphs. The rendering of Turner's elaborate sky could not be surpassed in engraving.' It has been observed that Turner seems to have had difficulty with the perspective of the drawing ( Shanes, Turner's England, p.230).
Ruskin, in his catalogue of sketches and drawings from the Turner Bequest (1857-8), refers to the high reputation of the original watercolour which, he says, he does not share - though he recognises it as 'one of the most elaborate works of his middle time'. He points out that the composition was developed from a 'severe pencil sketch, made at least thirty years previously' ( Works, 13.314).
J.M.W. Turner 1775-1851
Carew Castle, Pembroke c.1832
Watercolour, with bodycolour and scratching-out, 30.5x45.7cm
Exhibitions: MBG 1833 (59); Manchester 1857, watercolours (339); London International Exh., 1862 (1073); Manchester WAG., 1921 (221); Manchester CAG.1934 (137); Manchester CAG., 1938; Manchester CAG., 1952-3 (54); London, Agnew's, 1977 (95)
Engraving:
Engraved by W. Miller, 1834
Copper engraving, 15.7x23.9cm
Engraved for the England and Wales series
Provenance: Charles Heath, by 1833; Thomas Birchall, by 1857; from whom bt. Agnew, 10/12/1870; from whom bt. Sam Mendel, 10/5/1871; his sale, 12/2/1872, bt John Heugh; his sale, Christie's 24/4/1874 (95), by Agnew; from whom bt S. Addington, 14/5/1874; his sale Christie's, 22/5/1886 (56), bt Agnew, from whom bt T.S. Kennedy, 27/5/1886; his sale Christie's 18/5/1895 (97), bt Agnew; from whom bt Joseph Ruston 20/5/1895; Mrs. Ruston (of Lincoln) sale, Christie's 4/7/1913 (105); bt. Wallis; sold to James T. Blair 15/9/1913, who bequeathed it to the City Art Gallery, 1917
Further Comments: Sketches of Carew Castle can be found in the 'South Wales' sketchbook.
Collection: City Art Gallery, Manchester, UK
For a reproduction of this artistic work, please consult: Shanes, Eric, Turner's Picturesque Views in England and Wales, (Chatto & Windus, 1979), p.42/pl.60