Arts & humanities

摘要

Moyle (Constance; Secret Lives of the Pre-Raphaelites) digs deeply into the substantial published literature, as well as diaries, letters, and sketchbook notes, to paint a colorful and generous, yet well-balanced and thorough narrative of the life of British artist J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851). This is a particular challenge as much of Turner's own correspondence was destroyed at the time of his death by colleagues seeking to preserve his good reputation. A child prodigy, the youngest associate and then full member of the Royal Academy of Art (London), Turner was driven by a pursuit of artistic im- provement through observation of others' work, traveling to new places, and experimenting with technique. Yet his prodigious, often unconventional output was not always appreciated; many contemporaries believed Turner suffered from mental instability in his later years. Moyle helps us to see the 'nuances behind this private, at times unpleasant, man in prose that is lively and colorful, thoroughly researched yet not academic in tone. VERDICT For readers intrigued by the recent film Mr. Turner who want more backstory, this volume provides a fascinating account placed within a rich context of historical and art world events. [See Prepub Alert, 4/3/16.].