In 1823, Turner received his only royal commission: a painting commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar. He made two oil sketches in preparation for his enormous finished canvas, which is now in the National Maritime Museum. This first sketch focuses on the ship’s positions, with Victory, British naval commander Horatio Nelson’s flagship, front and centre. Temeraire’s position is unclear here but can be glimpsed on the right of Turner’s finished compositions.

Provenance: Tate: Accepted by the nation as part of the Turner Bequest

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851)
Date: about 1823

Image Details
Date: 19 June 2024
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/25s
ISO: 400
Licensing: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.