This watercolour is one of three finished drawings of this subject that are regarded as amongst the finest achievements not only of Turner, but also of the watercolour medium.
The campaign involved a highly successful appeal via the Art Fund's website which raised over £550,000 in just over 5 weeks. Members of the public were able to buy pixellated brushstrokes that gradually revealed the original watercolour as more money was committed.
Turner depicts the Rigi, a Swiss mountain peak, rising above Lake Lucerne at sunrise and its defining dark tone reflects Turner's interest in the transforming effects of lighting and atmospheric effects.
This work was acquired with assistance from the Wolfson Foundation.
More information
Title of artwork, date
The Blue Rigi, Sunrise, 1842
Date supported
2007
Medium and material
Watercolour on paper
Dimensions
29.7 x 45 cm
Grant
500000
Total cost
4950000
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