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Joseph Mallord William Turner , English, 1775-1851

Title

Shakespeare's Cliff, Dover

Date1794/1797

MediumGraphite with blue and grey washes on off-white wove paper

Dimensions

20.6 x 27 cm

Credit LineBequeathed, Henry Vaughan, 1900

Object numberNGI.2406

DescriptionThe broken and dotted outline, which picks out the uneven surface of the cliff face, is a characteristic feature of Turner's early topographical drawings. Although there is a sense of calm present, evoked by the gentle lapping waves, there is also a sense of foreboding, as dark clouds gather on the low horizon.

Exhibition HistoryTurner in January | Ireland's Vaughan Bequest, National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh, 01 January 2025 - 31 January 2025