J.M.W. Turner
- Artist: John Linnell
- Date: 1838
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 18 1/8 in. x 15 1/8 in. (460 mm x 384 mm)
- Portrays: Joseph Mallord William Turner
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
This portrait shows J.M.W. Turner in a quiet moment, his face set against a soft background. His eyes look forward, and the subtle brushwork around the brow gives a gentle depth to the canvas. Notice how John Linnell captures his sitter’s profile with fine details of linen and the worn collar—a simple yet intimate setting.
The work is oil on canvas from 1838; it measures about 460 by 384 mm. It was made from memory, requested by Reverend Daniell who hosted both artist and sitter at his table, so Linnell could capture Turner’s likeness without a formal sit‑by‑sit.
Turner himself was a leading landscape painter in Britain, known for innovative light and colour. Though he rarely sat for portraits, this image gives us a rare glimpse of the private man behind his dramatic canvases. The portrait sits in the National Portrait Gallery’s primary collection, reminding us that even great artists cherish moments captured by memory rather than studio time.
See it in person
J.M.W. Turner is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
