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Joseph Mallord William Turner was born in 1775 and died in 1851.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. J. M. W. Turner lived from 1775 to 1851.
Despite his artistic renown, Turner maintained his lower-class London accent and deliberately avoided the ostentatious aspects of fame.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. Turner hailed from a modest background, retained his accent, and preferred a private life over public display.
Turner's extensive travels throughout Europe, commencing in 1802, primarily served as a period of respite from his artistic endeavors.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Turner's European travels, beginning in 1802, provided significant inspiration and material for his artistic work, rather than serving solely as a break.
J. M. W. Turner was married and had a large family.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Turner never married, although he did father two daughters.
Turner became increasingly optimistic and sociable in his later years, particularly following his father's death.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Turner's father's death in 1829 profoundly affected him, contributing to increased reclusiveness and pessimism in his later years.
To evade the 1841 census, Turner adopted the disguise of a sailor.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Turner avoided the 1841 census by rowing a boat into the Thames to avoid being found at a property.
Turner occasionally asserted that he was born in the same year as Napoleon Bonaparte.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. Turner sometimes suggested a birth year of 1769, aligning with Napoleon and the Duke of Wellington.
Turner's father was a successful merchant involved in the fine art trade.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Turner's father was a barber and wig maker.
Turner's mother, Mary Marshall, died within a mental asylum.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. Turner's mother suffered from mental illness and died in Bethlem Hospital, a mental asylum.
Turner spent a portion of his childhood residing with his maternal uncle in Manchester.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Turner spent part of his childhood with his maternal uncle in Brentford.
Who was J. M. W. Turner?
Answer: An influential English Romantic painter, printmaker, and watercolourist.
Explanation: J. M. W. Turner (1775–1851) was a preeminent English Romantic painter, printmaker, and watercolourist, celebrated for his expressive use of color, imaginative landscapes, and dramatic seascapes, which significantly influenced later art movements.
What was Turner's social background and his approach to public recognition?
Answer: He was from a modest background, maintained his accent, and preferred privacy.
Explanation: Turner originated from a modest London background, retained his characteristic accent throughout his life, and actively avoided the ostentatious aspects of fame, preferring a more private existence.
How did Turner's extensive European travels influence his artistic production?
Answer: They provided inspiration and material for his landscapes and seascapes through extensive sketching.
Explanation: Turner's travels across Europe, beginning in 1802, yielded numerous sketchbooks filled with observations that profoundly informed and inspired his subsequent landscape and seascape paintings.
What was Turner's marital status and family situation?
Answer: He never married but fathered two daughters.
Explanation: J. M. W. Turner never married, but he had two daughters, Evelina and Georgiana, with Sarah Danby.
How did Turner's personality evolve as he entered his later years?
Answer: He grew more pessimistic and reclusive, especially after his father's death.
Explanation: Following the death of his father in 1829, Turner experienced periods of depression and became increasingly reclusive and pessimistic, influencing the tone of his later works.
What unconventional method did Turner employ to avoid enumeration in the 1841 census?
Answer: He rowed a boat into the Thames to avoid being found at a property.
Explanation: In 1841, Turner evaded the census by taking to a boat on the River Thames, thereby ensuring he could not be located at any residence.
What potential birth year did Turner sometimes suggest for himself, aligning with notable historical figures?
Answer: 1769, the same year as Napoleon and the Duke of Wellington
Explanation: Turner occasionally implied a birth year of 1769, coinciding with that of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Duke of Wellington.
What was the profession of Turner's father?
Answer: Barber and wig maker
Explanation: Turner's father, William Turner, practiced the trade of a barber and wig maker.
What happened to Turner's mother, Mary Marshall?
Answer: She suffered from mental illness and died in an asylum.
Explanation: Turner's mother, Mary Marshall, experienced mental health issues and was ultimately admitted to Bethlem Hospital, a mental asylum, where she died.
Where did Turner spend part of his childhood, and under whose care?
Answer: With his maternal uncle in Brentford.
Explanation: Turner resided for a period during his childhood with his maternal uncle in Brentford, where he also attended school.
Which European locations did Turner visit commencing with his 1802 journey?
Answer: France and Switzerland
Explanation: Turner's European travels, beginning in 1802, included visits to France, where he studied works in the Louvre, and Switzerland.
How did the death of Turner's father impact his life and work?
Answer: It had a profound effect, causing depression and influencing his later, more morose art.
Explanation: The loss of his father in 1829 deeply affected Turner, contributing to periods of depression and influencing the more somber and introspective character of his subsequent artistic output.
Under what assumed identity did Turner reside with Sophia Caroline Booth in his final years?
Answer: As 'Mr Booth' or 'Admiral Booth'
Explanation: In his later years, Turner lived with Sophia Caroline Booth in Chelsea, London, under the assumed identities of 'Mr Booth' or 'Admiral Booth'.
Turner commenced his studies at the Royal Academy of Arts at the age of 24.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Turner began his studies at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1789, at the age of 14.
Turner's initial artistic inclination was towards sculpture, but he was subsequently advised to pursue painting.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Turner's initial interest at the Royal Academy lay in architecture, though he was encouraged to focus on painting.
Turner held the position of professor of perspective at the Royal Academy of Arts from 1807 until 1828.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. Turner delivered lectures as professor of perspective at the Royal Academy during this period.
At what age did Turner commence his studies at the Royal Academy of Arts?
Answer: 14
Explanation: Turner began his formal studies at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1789, when he was 14 years old.
What was Turner's initial area of academic focus at the Royal Academy prior to concentrating on painting?
Answer: Architecture
Explanation: Turner's initial studies at the Royal Academy of Arts centered on architecture before he was advised to concentrate his efforts on painting.
What academic position did Turner occupy at the Royal Academy?
Answer: Professor of Perspective
Explanation: Turner served as the professor of perspective at the Royal Academy of Arts, delivering lectures from 1807 until 1828.
Who did Turner identify as his 'real master'?
Answer: Thomas Malton
Explanation: Turner referred to Thomas Malton, a topographical draughtsman, as his 'real master,' indicating Malton's significant influence on his early training.
What was Turner's first watercolour exhibited at the Royal Academy?
Answer: A View of the Archbishop's Palace, Lambeth
Explanation: 'A View of the Archbishop's Palace, Lambeth' was the first watercolour by Turner to be exhibited at the Royal Academy, accepted in 1790 when he was 15.
Who was Thomas Monro, and what role did he play in Turner's artistic development?
Answer: A physician and collector who provided a supportive environment for young artists.
Explanation: Thomas Monro, a physician and art collector, fostered a supportive environment for emerging artists, including Turner, enabling them to hone their drawing skills, particularly in watercolour.
How did John Robert Cozens's watercolours influence Turner's artistic approach?
Answer: They demonstrated watercolour's potential to convey mood, influencing Turner.
Explanation: The atmospheric and evocative qualities present in John Robert Cozens's watercolours, particularly his Alpine views, revealed the medium's capacity for conveying mood, which significantly influenced Turner's own practice.
J. M. W. Turner is primarily recognized for his significant contributions to the Abstract Expressionist movement.
Answer: False
Explanation: This assertion is inaccurate. While Turner's innovative techniques foreshadowed later movements, he is primarily celebrated as a pivotal figure of English Romanticism, known for his expressive landscapes and seascapes.
Turner's artistic output is estimated to include over 550 oil paintings, approximately 2,000 watercolours, and around 30,000 works on paper.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate, reflecting the extensive volume of Turner's creative production across various media.
What are the defining characteristics of Turner's renowned artistic style?
Answer: Expressive use of color, imaginative landscapes, and dramatic seascapes.
Explanation: Turner is celebrated for his mastery of color, his creation of evocative, imaginative landscapes, and his powerful depictions of dramatic seascapes, often characterized by turbulent waters and atmospheric effects.
What is the approximate number of works on paper left by J. M. W. Turner?
Answer: Approximately 30,000
Explanation: J. M. W. Turner's prolific output included an estimated 30,000 works on paper, in addition to his oil paintings and watercolours.
How did Turner's early oil painting 'The Rising Squall, Hot Wells' foreshadow his later artistic style?
Answer: It demonstrated an early mastery of capturing climatic and atmospheric effects.
Explanation: Exhibited in 1793, 'The Rising Squall, Hot Wells' demonstrated Turner's nascent ability to capture atmospheric phenomena and climatic effects, foreshadowing his mature style.
What was the significance of Turner's 1796 oil painting 'Fishermen at Sea'?
Answer: It established his reputation as a skilled painter of maritime scenes.
Explanation: The 1796 oil painting 'Fishermen at Sea,' depicting a nocturnal maritime scene, was critically well-received and solidified Turner's reputation as a proficient painter of marine subjects.
How did David Piper characterize Turner's later works?
Answer: As 'fantastic puzzles'
Explanation: Art historian David Piper described Turner's later paintings as 'fantastic puzzles,' reflecting their increasingly abstract and expressive qualities.
Which natural phenomenon, linked to volcanic activity in 1816, served as inspiration for some of Turner's paintings?
Answer: Spectacular sunsets caused by volcanic ash
Explanation: The atmospheric conditions resulting from volcanic eruptions in 1816, which produced spectacular sunsets, provided inspiration for some of Turner's works.
What was Turner's approach regarding the permanence of his pigments?
Answer: He prioritized immediate visual effect over long-term fading.
Explanation: Turner often prioritized the immediate visual impact of his chosen pigments over their long-term stability, leading to concerns about fading in some of his works.
Turner's later works, such as 'Rain, Steam and Speed', are noted for emphasizing:
Answer: Atmospheric effects over recognizable forms.
Explanation: In later works like 'Rain, Steam and Speed', Turner prioritized the evocation of atmospheric effects and light, often at the expense of clearly defined forms.
The 'Liber Studiorum' was a series of prints intended to showcase Turner's vision for what category of art?
Answer: Landscape art
Explanation: Turner conceived the 'Liber Studiorum' as a collection of prints designed to illustrate his principles and approach to landscape art.
What aspect of the marine environment most fascinated Turner and frequently appeared in his paintings?
Answer: Its violent power and turbulence.
Explanation: Turner was particularly captivated by the dynamic and often violent power of the sea, frequently depicting its turbulence in his marine works.
What was Turner's primary consideration regarding his artistic materials?
Answer: Achieving the immediate visual impact, regardless of long-term permanence.
Explanation: Turner's primary concern with his materials was achieving the desired immediate visual effect, often prioritizing this over the long-term preservation and stability of the pigments.
What specific event, witnessed firsthand by Turner, inspired a series of watercolour sketches?
Answer: The burning of the Houses of Parliament
Explanation: Turner created a series of watercolour sketches inspired by his direct observation of the burning of the Houses of Parliament in 1834.
The art critic John Ruskin strongly criticized Turner's work, viewing it as overly sentimental and lacking truth to nature.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. John Ruskin was a fervent advocate for Turner's art, praising his ability to truthfully depict the 'moods of Nature'.
How did the influential art critic John Ruskin characterize Turner's artistic contributions?
Answer: He was a strong champion, believing Turner measured the 'moods of Nature' truthfully.
Explanation: John Ruskin was a significant proponent of Turner's work, asserting that Turner possessed an unparalleled ability to measure and represent the 'moods of Nature' with profound truthfulness.
Who was Walter Fawkes, and what was his role in Turner's career?
Answer: An important patron and close friend who inspired Turner.
Explanation: Walter Fawkes was a significant patron and close associate of Turner. Turner's frequent visits to Fawkes's estate, Farnley Hall, provided considerable inspiration for his work.
What is the significance of Petworth House in relation to Turner's artistic legacy?
Answer: It contains the largest collection of his work outside the Tate.
Explanation: Petworth House, where Turner was a frequent guest, houses the most substantial collection of his artworks outside of the Tate Gallery.
What gift did Louis Philippe I, King of the French, present to Turner in 1838?
Answer: A gold snuff box
Explanation: In 1838, Louis Philippe I presented Turner with a gold snuff box, acknowledging Turner's known fondness for snuff.
What was the nature of Turner's relationship with Edward Thomas Daniell?
Answer: A brief but intense friendship that deeply affected Turner.
Explanation: Turner shared a profound and intense friendship with the artist Edward Thomas Daniell, which provided him with significant spiritual comfort.
How did John Linnell execute the portrait of Turner, given Turner's reluctance for formal sittings?
Answer: Linnell painted from memory after dining with Turner.
Explanation: John Linnell painted Turner's portrait from memory after sharing a meal with him, as Turner was disinclined to undertake formal sittings.
Which description aligns with the critical reception of Turner's 1840 paintings, such as 'The Slave Ship'?
Answer: Described by some as 'absurd extravagances' and 'blots'.
Explanation: Turner's paintings from the 1840s, including 'The Slave Ship', faced criticism from some quarters, with descriptions such as 'absurd extravagances' and 'blots' being applied.
J. M. W. Turner is interred in Westminster Abbey.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. J. M. W. Turner is buried in St Paul's Cathedral, London.
Where is J. M. W. Turner interred?
Answer: In St Paul's Cathedral, London
Explanation: J. M. W. Turner's final resting place is St Paul's Cathedral in London, situated near the tomb of Sir Joshua Reynolds.
What was Turner's stipulated intention for his fortune according to his last will and testament?
Answer: To support 'decayed artists' and establish an almshouse.
Explanation: Turner's will designated his fortune for the support of 'decayed artists' and the establishment of an almshouse, alongside a gallery for his works.
What controversy arose concerning the exhibition of Turner's bequeathed paintings?
Answer: Disagreements over location prevented a dedicated gallery, leading to the collection being scattered.
Explanation: Turner's wish for a dedicated gallery for his paintings was not fully realized due to disputes over its location, resulting in the dispersal of the collection.
What was notable about Henry Vaughan's collection of Turner's work?
Answer: It was one of the largest collections and included a stipulation for free January exhibitions.
Explanation: Henry Vaughan amassed one of the most significant collections of Turner's watercolours and drawings, stipulating free public exhibition in January.
Which gallery was specifically established in 1987 to house the Turner Bequest?
Answer: The Clore Gallery
Explanation: The Clore Gallery was inaugurated in 1987 with the specific purpose of housing the Turner Bequest.
The Turner Prize, established in 1984, is named in honor of which artist?
Answer: J. M. W. Turner
Explanation: The prestigious Turner Prize, instituted by the Tate Gallery in 1984, is named in homage to the artist J. M. W. Turner.
What public recognition did Turner's painting 'The Fighting Temeraire' receive in a 2005 poll?
Answer: It was voted Britain's 'greatest painting'.
Explanation: In a 2005 poll conducted by the BBC, Turner's iconic painting 'The Fighting Temeraire' was acclaimed as Britain's 'greatest painting'.
Who portrayed J. M. W. Turner in the 1974 television production 'The Sun Is God'?
Answer: Leo McKern
Explanation: Leo McKern assumed the role of J. M. W. Turner in the 1974 television film titled 'The Sun Is God'.
In the 2014 biographical film 'Mr. Turner', who portrayed the titular artist?
Answer: Timothy Spall
Explanation: Timothy Spall delivered the lead performance as J. M. W. Turner in Mike Leigh's 2014 biographical film, 'Mr. Turner'.
What accolade did Timothy Spall receive for his portrayal of Turner in 'Mr. Turner'?
Answer: The award for Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival
Explanation: Timothy Spall was honored with the award for Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival for his performance as J. M. W. Turner in the film 'Mr. Turner'.
How is Turner depicted on the Bank of England's £20 polymer note?
Answer: Against the backdrop of his painting 'The Fighting Temeraire'.
Explanation: The Bank of England's £20 polymer note features a portrait of Turner set against the visual context of his renowned painting, 'The Fighting Temeraire'.
Which French art movement was significantly influenced by Turner's techniques, particularly his use of light and color?
Answer: Impressionism
Explanation: Turner's innovative use of light and color profoundly influenced French artists, notably contributing to the development of the Impressionist movement.