A stunning watercolour by the illustrious British artist JMW Turner is on the brink of making waves in the art world, with estimates suggesting it could fetch as much as £600,000 at an imminent auction. This exquisite piece, titled “The Lauerzersee With The Ruins Of Schwanau And The Mythen,” exemplifies the beauty of Swiss landscapes that Turner captured during his final artistic tours before his passing in 1851. This auction marks a significant event in the realm of fine art, particularly as Turner’s watercolours have become some of the most sought-after works on paper since his death.
A Highlight of Christie’s “Lines of Vision”
Taking centre stage in Christie’s upcoming “Lines Of Vision: Celebrating 20 Years of Stephen Ongpin Fine Art,” this auction is part of the auction house’s Classic Week, scheduled for next month. The watercolour is not only a rare find, but it also carries an impressive provenance directly traceable back to Turner himself. Described by Christie’s as “luminous” and “exceptionally well preserved,” it portrays the picturesque landscape beneath the eastern slopes of the iconic Rigi mountain, a site that drew numerous tourists during the 19th century and inspired many of Turner’s works, including the renowned “The Blue Rigi.”
In 2006, Christie’s set a record for Turner when “The Blue Rigi” sold for a staggering £5.8 million, a benchmark that still stands for artworks on paper by the master. As such, anticipation is high for the upcoming sale, especially given the rarity of this particular watercolour, which remains in private ownership while many of Turner’s larger pieces have found permanent homes in museums.
Diverse Offerings in the Auction
The auction is set to include around 100 drawings and works on paper, showcasing a remarkable spectrum of artistry spanning 500 years, from Old Masters to contemporary creators. With estimates ranging from £700 to a staggering £600,000, the sale reflects the diverse categories and periods that define the gallery’s identity. Highlighted alongside Turner’s masterpiece are significant works by celebrated artists such as Tiepolo, Guercino, and Boucher, as well as modern icons like Picasso, Klee, Matisse, and Frankenthaler.
Stephen Ongpin, the art dealer behind the celebration of drawings, expressed his enduring fascination with works on paper, stating, “I have always been drawn (forgive the pun) to the very intimacy of works on paper, and to the connection they engender with the creative process at its most direct and unfiltered.” Ongpin likens the experience of studying drawings to standing beside the artist as they translate their thoughts onto paper, creating a unique glimpse into their creative journey.
A Celebration of Artistry and Expertise
As the auction approaches, Ongpin remarked on his excitement to share his passion for drawings and introduce the gallery’s collection to a new generation of collectors. Christie’s head of sales, Keith Gill, echoed this sentiment, noting that the auction serves as a celebration of Ongpin’s significant contributions to the field of drawings. He remarked, “The works in the sale reflect Stephen’s erudite connoisseurship and passion which underpins the gallery and all the brilliance of the artists and the diversity of exceptional artworks he champions.”
The pre-sale exhibition, offering art enthusiasts a chance to view these compelling works, will run from June 26 to July 2, drawing collectors and institutions eager to appreciate the breadth of artistic expression on offer.
Why it Matters
The impending auction of JMW Turner’s watercolour not only underscores the enduring appeal of his artistry but also highlights the growing interest in works on paper within the art market. As collectors vie for such rare pieces, the auction serves as a pivotal moment for both seasoned aficionados and emerging collectors alike. The sale encapsulates the ongoing dialogue between past and present in the art world, reaffirming the significance of preserving and celebrating artistic heritage in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
