DISCOVERART

Joseph Mallord William Turner

Watercress Gatherers, plate 62 from Liber Studiorum

published January 1, 1819
Mezzotint and etching in brown on ivory wove paper
18.5 × 26.5 cm (7.3 × 10.4 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

J. M. W. Turner is known primarily as a painter, but demonstrated his passion for landscape through printmaking in this mezzotint, which comes from a series of 71 prints called Liber Studiorum (Book of Studies) . Turner categorized the types of landscape with a lettering system at the top of each sheet: A (Architectural), H (Historical), M (Marine or Mountainous), P (Pastoral), and the more obscure EP (Epic Pastoral). The play of light and shade on the water, mountains, fields, and distant views exemplifies Turner’s approach to landscape as an emotive interpretation of reality rather than a topographically accurate one. He chose to use mezzotint, an engraving process that creates tonal gradations similar to the effects of oil painting, to emphasize these light and dark effects.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Joseph Mallord William Turner

Venice, from the Porch of Madonna della SaluteVenice, from the Porch of Madonna della SaluteThe Lake of ZugThe Lake of ZugQueen Mab's CaveQueen Mab's CaveSaltash with the Water Ferry, CornwallSaltash with the Water Ferry, CornwallValley of Aosta: Snowstorm, Avalanche, and ThunderstormValley of Aosta: Snowstorm, Avalanche, and ThunderstormFlüelen, from the Lake of LucerneFlüelen, from the Lake of LucerneThe Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons, 16 October 1834The Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons, 16 October 1Fishing Boats with Hucksters Bargaining for FishFishing Boats with Hucksters Bargaining for Fish

More like this

Glebe FarmDavid Lucas — Glebe FarmThe Bridge in Middle Distance (Liber Studiorum, part III, plate 13)Joseph Mallord William Turner|Charles Turner — The Bridge inPond before Wooden Bridge and a House, from Twelve landscapes with FiguresGillis van Scheyndel — Pond before Wooden Bridge and a HouseA Lock on the StourDavid Lucas|John Constable — A Lock on the StourApuleia in Search of Apuleius (unpublished plate, Liber Studiorum)Joseph Mallord William Turner|William Say — Apuleia in SearcValies-Vale, Near FromeTheodore Henry Fielding — Valies-Vale, Near FromeA Lock on the StourDavid Lucas|John Constable — A Lock on the StourA Lock on the Stour, SuffolkDavid Lucas — A Lock on the Stour, SuffolkLiber Studiorum: Watercress Gatherers, Rails Head, Ferry Bridge, TwickenhamJoseph Mallord William Turner (British, 1775–1851) — Liber SApproaching StormCharles François Daubigny — Approaching StormBurning of Savannah, plate four of the second number of Picturesque Views of American SceneryJohn Hill — Burning of Savannah, plate four of the second nuThe Watermill, after a painting by RuisdaëlJean Jacques de Boissieu|Jacob van Ruisdael — The Watermill,