A stunning watercolour by the renowned British artist JMW Turner is set to capture the spotlight at an upcoming auction, with estimates suggesting it could fetch between £400,000 and £600,000. This exquisite piece, titled “The Lauerzersee With The Ruins Of Schwanau And The Mythen,” showcases Turner’s unique ability to portray the beauty of Swiss landscapes and is part of Christie’s “Lines Of Vision: Celebrating 20 Years of Stephen Ongpin Fine Art” sale next month.
An Artistic Treasure
Turner’s watercolours, particularly those from his later Swiss journeys, have long been celebrated for their emotional depth and technical brilliance. Created during his final tours, “The Lauerzersee” represents not only a picturesque view but also encapsulates the essence of 19th-century travel and exploration. Auction house Christie’s describes the painting as “luminous” and “exceptionally well preserved,” highlighting its remarkable condition and the masterful way Turner captures light and atmosphere.
This particular artwork has a rich provenance that traces back to the artist himself, making it a rare gem in the realm of Turner’s work. Unlike his larger, commissioned pieces that are predominantly housed in museums, this watercolour remains in private hands, adding to its allure and value. The painting depicts the serene landscape beneath the Rigi, a peak that captivated many tourists of the era and is also the subject of Turner’s earlier masterpiece, “The Blue Rigi,” which set a world record for a work on paper by Turner at £5.8 million in 2006.
A Diverse Auction Line-Up
The forthcoming auction is not solely focused on Turner; it features around 100 works on paper, spanning five centuries, and includes pieces from old masters to contemporary artists. Estimates for the artworks range from £700 to £600,000, illustrating the auction’s wide appeal. Other notable works include pieces by Tiepolo, Guercino, and Boucher, alongside modern icons such as Picasso, Klee, Matisse, and Frankenthaler.
Stephen Ongpin, whose fine art gallery is marking two decades of operation, expressed his enthusiasm for the auction, stating, “I think it is because I have always been drawn (forgive the pun) to the very intimacy of works on paper.” He elaborated on the profound connection these drawings offer to the creative process, likening the experience to standing beside an artist as they translate their ideas onto paper.
Celebrating Artistic Legacy
Christie’s head of sales, Keith Gill, remarked on the significance of the auction, regarding it as a tribute to Ongpin’s enduring contributions to the field of drawings and works on paper. “The works in the sale reflect Stephen’s erudite connoisseurship and passion,” he said, underscoring the diverse array of exceptional artworks that will be available.
The pre-sale exhibition, which invites collectors and art enthusiasts to engage with the pieces before the auction, will run from June 26 to July 2. This event represents not only an opportunity to appreciate these remarkable artworks but also a chance to witness the evolution of the art market and the continuing relevance of historic pieces in contemporary collections.
Why it Matters
The auction of Turner’s watercolour is more than just a financial transaction; it is a testament to the enduring power of art to captivate and inspire across generations. As collectors and institutions vie for ownership of such masterpieces, it highlights the ongoing demand for original works that carry historical significance. This not only reinforces the value of art as an investment but also serves to remind us of the cultural heritage we inherit and the stories that artworks tell. In an era where digital reproductions often dominate, the physical presence of a piece like Turner’s reminds us of the intimate connection between the artist, their medium, and the viewer.
