Michael

William Turner (1775-1851) is one of the most famous and innovative painters in art history. His fame is due to the light-filled landscapes and seascapes from his later work phase, which can be considered precursors to Impressionism. He was not only forward-thinking in terms of color composition but also in his choice of themes, engaging with new modes of transportation such as the locomotive and steamship, the burning of the Houses of Parliament, the slave ship, and the beach pirates. However, Turner preferred to paint picturesque landscapes and cities, particularly the nature of Switzerland and Scotland, the cathedrals and abbey ruins in England, castles along the Rhine and Moselle, as well as in Wales and the dreamlike Venice. German-language publications that provide an overview of the work of the English painter are rare. The volume presented here fills a knowledge gap, as it depicts and analyzes the outstanding early works, which consist of impressive views of Gothic structures—especially cathedrals. Art historian Michael Imhof thus offers a new perspective on Turner’s overall body of work. Additionally, he compiled what he considers the highest quality works for the book. They undoubtedly possess a special visual appeal. William Turner.