Turner Inspired

Claude (1604/5?˗1682)

Seaport with the Embarkation of the Queen of Sheba, 1648

© The National Gallery, London

For over a hundred years now the paintings of William Turner have been inextricably linked to those of Claude Gelee. Not only was Turner inspired by the landscapes of Claude, but is reputed to have burst into tears on his first viewing of Claude's Seaport with the Embarkation of the Queen of Sheba, 1648. Something within that painting resonated so strongly with Turner that he embarked on a number of slavish copies of Claude's paintings, sometimes copied from memory, sometimes by revisiting the original site of Claude's work.

The most exquisite Monet I've ever seen, at Christies, King Street, London

Update: Alas I didn't win the Euromillions, and my little Monet sold for £2,393,250 / $3,781,335

On Tuesday 7th February 2012 Christies will hold its Impressionist / Modern painting sale. Included are a Pissaro, three Degas', a variety of Henry Moore's paintings and sculptures, several Picasso's and one particularly exquisite Monet, Le bras de Jeufosse, automne.