J M W TURNER | Rome, from the Vatican. Raffaelle, accompanied by La Fornarina, preparing his pictures for the decoration of the loggia

J M W TURNER
 Great Britain 1775 – 1851

Rome, from the Vatican. Raffaelle, accompanied by La Fornarina, preparing his pictures for the decoration of the loggia exhibited 1820 oil on canvas
177.2 (h) x 335.3 (w) cm Tate Accepted by the nation as part of the Turner Bequest 1856 Photo: © Tate 2013

Turner was at the height of his powers when he first visited Rome in 1819. In this painting, completed in London, he dramatises the city with all of its associations. The great Renaissance artist Raphael stands with his mistress La Fornarina on the Vatican Loggia, with a sweeping view across St Peter’s Square towards the Abruzzi hills in the distance. Rome is embraced as the historic centre, first of the Roman Empire, then of its successor the Christian Church.

Turner was at the height of his powers when he first visited Rome in 1819. In this painting, completed in London, he dramatises the city with all of its associations. The great Renaissance artist Raphael stands with his mistress La Fornarina on the Vatican Loggia, with a sweeping view across St Peter’s Square towards the Abruzzi hills in the distance. Rome is embraced as the historic centre, first of the Roman Empire, then of its successor the Christian Church.

Turner was at the height of his powers when he first visited Rome in 1819. In this painting, completed in London, he dramatises the city with all of its associations. The great Renaissance artist Raphael stands with his mistress La Fornarina on the Vatican Loggia, with a sweeping view across St Peter’s Square towards the Abruzzi hills in the distance. Rome is embraced as the historic centre, first of the Roman Empire, then of its successor the Christian Church.