English Romantic J.M.W. Turner’s fascination with Venice is well documented. During his final visit in 1840, he captured the interplay of light and water with bold brushstrokes and his signature color palette, which not only defined his style but also influenced the development of Impressionism. The dominant blue-jade hues and distinctive textures in his watercolors have long been celebrated. However, only a few of these works remain in private collections, making any rediscovered work particularly significant.
See also: William Turner: In the Heart of Light
When the owner submitted a blurry photo of a watercolor painting through Christie's online appraisal service—taken through aged, greenish glass—British drawings and watercolors expert Rosie Jarvie immediately recognised its potential. “I had an instinct, from the strong brushstrokes, economy of line, and palette, that we really needed to see this properly,” she told the Art Newspaper. It turned out that the painting, initially attributed to John Ruskin, was a watercolor by none other than J.M.W. Turner. Detailed analysis by Turner specialists Peter Bower and Ian Warrell confirmed the painting’s authenticity, matching the paper and technique to other known Venetian views by Turner.
The painting, then correctly attributed to Turner and titled The Approach to Venice (also known as Venice from the Lagoon), was put up for auction at Christie's New York on 4 February. Estimated at $300,000– 500,000, it finally sold for $327,600.
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J.M.W. Turner’s works are among the most expensive paintings ever sold, cementing his place as one of history's most influential pre-20th-century British artists. His masterpiece Rome, from Mount Aventine set an auction record when it sold for £30.3 million ($47.6 million) at Sotheby’s London in December 2014. Based on Turner’s 1828 sketches of the city, the painting had only changed hands once before this record-breaking sale—when the Fifth Earl of Rosebery acquired it from Munro’s collection in 1878.
See also: The 12 Most Expensive Paintings Ever Auctioned
As the rediscovery of Turner's work shows, art and antiques often carry more value than we realise. If you're wondering about the potential worth of items in your own collection, ValueMyStuff can help you find out. Powered by Barnebys, this expert online evaluation service connects you with over 60 specialists, many of whom are former experts at Sotheby’s and Christie’s. They can appraise your art, antiques, jewellery, memorabilia, and more—whether you're looking to sell, insure, or simply satisfy your curiosity.
