1820 Hakewill Picturesque Tour of Italy, by J.M.W. Turner

A Picturesque Tour of Italy was the most ambitious work of the architect John Hakewill (1778-1843). His plan was to engage eight artists to create watercolors for engraving, from the sketches made during his travels in Italy in 1816-1817.

The publisher refused to accept any except those of James Mallard William Turner, the notable English landscape artist, delaying the publication somewhat. It was an important milestone for Turner as it was the first time he used the drawings of another artist to paint watercolors of places he had not seen. He went on to use this technique regularly in producing his work.

Hakewill’s publication was not a financial success, due in part to the large payment of 200 guineas to Turner for his contribution. The collection of 20 watercolors by Turner was broken up when later sold on the market.

Each print measures approximately 10 inches by 14 inches and is on thick wove paper, with some foxing in the margins as shown. The views of Italy are absolute gems of engraving, with the scenes by Turner of exception beauty, each one noted as “Drawn by J.M.W. Turner RA from a finished Sketch by James Hakewill”.

References include: Tate Gallery: Illustrated Catalogue of Acquisitions 1986-88, London 1996.