Art Funded by you

The Blue Rigi, Sunrise

Joseph Mallord William Turner, 1842

Joseph Mallord William Turner, The Blue Rigi, Sunrise, 1842, Tate, Art Funded 2007
© Tate

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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