William Turner was an English painter who lived during the 18th and 19th centuries. He was famous for his expressive landscapes and seascapes, and he played a significant role in the development of Romanticism. Although Turner's life is shrouded in mystery, there are several shocking facts that have been uncovered about his life and work. In this article, we will explore 10 of these shocking facts.
Early Life and Education
William Turner was born in London, England, in 1775. He was the son of a barber and wig maker, and he showed an early aptitude for drawing and painting. He attended school at the Royal Academy of Arts, where he studied under notable artists such as Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds.
Turner's Relationship with His Father
Turner's relationship with his father was complicated. His father was strict and often abusive, which may have contributed to Turner's secretive and solitary nature. However, Turner was also fiercely loyal to his father and cared for him until his death.
Turner's Secret Marriage
In 1810, Turner secretly married Sarah Danby, who was the widow of a former colleague. The marriage was kept secret for many years, and Sarah was never publicly acknowledged as Turner's wife.
Turner's Rivalry with John Constable
Turner had a long-standing rivalry with the landscape painter John Constable. The two artists had very different styles, with Turner favoring dramatic, atmospheric landscapes and Constable focusing on more naturalistic scenes. Despite their differences, both artists were highly respected in their fields.
Turner's Connection to the Slave Trade
It has been discovered that Turner's father owned a number of ships that were involved in the slave trade. This has raised questions about Turner's own involvement in the practice, although there is no direct evidence to suggest that he was directly involved.
Turner's Use of Mercury in His Paintings
Turner was known to use mercury in his paintings to create a luminous effect. However, this practice was extremely dangerous and may have contributed to his declining health later in life.
Turner's Obsession with Light and Weather
Turner was obsessed with the effects of light and weather on landscapes and seascapes. He often made sketches and studies of these effects and incorporated them into his paintings in a way that was both dramatic and realistic.
Turner's Extreme Behavior on Public Transportation
There are several accounts of Turner's extreme behavior on public transportation. He was known to be rude to other passengers, and he once urinated out of a train window while traveling.
Turner's Secretive Personal Life
Turner was notoriously secretive about his personal life, and very little is known about his romantic relationships. It is rumored that he had several mistresses and illegitimate children, but there is no concrete evidence to support these claims.
Turner's Final Resting Place
Turner's final resting place is somewhat of a mystery. He was buried in St. Paul's Cathedral in London, but his ashes were later moved to a more private location at his request. The exact location of his ashes is unknown, and it is rumored that they were scattered in the Thames River.
Conclusion
In conclusion, William Turner remains a captivating and enigmatic figure, and these 10 astonishing facts merely touch the surface of his remarkable life and artistic contributions. Despite the enigma surrounding him, Turner's oil painting reproductions continue to inspire and enthrall audiences to this day. Whether through his breathtaking seascapes, radiant landscapes, or his unwavering fascination with light and weather, Turner's legacy endures as one of the most exceptional painters in the history of art.