Rhodes (1823-1824)

The painting “Rhodes” by Joseph Mallord William Turner, created between 1823 and 1824, presents a vivid depiction of the city of Rhodes. This work, executed in watercolor and gouache, reflects Turner’s fascination with the Mediterranean’s light, colors, and atmospheric effects. Commissioned as an illustration for one of Lord Byron’s collections, the artwork captures the romantic and exotic essence of Greece, a place Turner never visited but vividly imagined through his unique artistic style.

“Rhodes” was painted during a period when Turner was deeply engrossed in the Mediterranean and its artistic allure. The artwork was created between 1823 and 1824, a time marked by Europe’s heightened interest in the Greek struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire. Turner, who never traveled to Greece, drew inspiration from stories and descriptions, particularly from the works of poet Lord Byron. This painting was part of a broader cultural and artistic movement in the 19th century that idealized the classical past, seeing ancient Greece as a source of beauty and wisdom.

Turner, known for his intensely private and eccentric nature, remained a controversial figure throughout his career. By the 1840s, he had grown increasingly reclusive, living in poor health and squalor after the death of his father. An example of his eccentricity is from 1841 when he rowed a boat into the Thames to avoid being counted in the census. He remained a solitary figure until his death in London in 1851 at the age of 76. Turner was buried in Saint Paul’s Cathedral, a testament to his posthumous recognition despite his reclusive life.

“Rhodes” reflects Turner’s broader interest in capturing the romantic and exotic qualities of Greece, which aligned with a cultural fascination with antiquity and the Mediterranean during the 19th century. The painting was created as an illustration for Lord Byron’s works, emphasizing the intersection between visual art and poetry. Through his unique style, Turner sought to convey the emotional and dramatic essence of the places he depicted, contributing to the Romantic movement’s emphasis on individual perception and imagination.

The painting “Rhodes” is rendered in watercolor and gouache, a combination that allowed Turner to achieve a unique interplay of color and light. Measuring 5 x 8 7/8 inches or 13 x 22.5 cm, the small size of the artwork belies its dramatic impact. The use of transparent watercolor washes and opaque gouache highlights Turner’s mastery in creating depth, texture, and atmosphere, characteristics for which he is renowned.

Currently, “Rhodes” is housed at the Yale Center for British Art. The painting was specifically created to accompany a collection of Lord Byron’s poetry, aligning with the Romantic era’s fascination with Greece and the ancient world.