About this sheet
Prince of Orange Landing at Torbay after J.M.W. Turner, c. 1850
Original antique 19th-century engraving after J.M.W. Turner, depicting the historic landing of William, Prince of Orange, at Torbay in Devon, England, in 1688.
Title:
The Prince of Orange Landing at Torbay
Artist:
Joseph Mallord William Turner, R.A. (1775–1851), after
Engraver:
William Miller (1796–1882)
Date:
Mid-19th century, circa 1850
Place of Origin:
United Kingdom
Technique:
Steel engraving on paper
Subject:
William III, Prince of Orange
Landing at Torbay, Devon
Glorious Revolution of 1688
British and Dutch history
Maritime history
A dramatic original 19th-century maritime engraving after J.M.W. Turner depicting one of the defining moments in British history: the arrival of William, Prince of Orange, at Torbay in Devon in November 1688.
William of Orange sailed from the Dutch Republic to England with a substantial invasion fleet. His landing at Torbay marked the beginning of the events now known as the Glorious Revolution, which ultimately resulted in the deposition of King James II and the accession of William III and Mary II to the English throne.
Turner transforms the historical event into a spectacular maritime composition. The Prince's fleet fills the horizon beneath an immense atmospheric sky, while vessels and crowded boats battle through the turbulent sea. The dark, vigorously rendered waves in the foreground contrast dramatically with the luminous sky and distant sails.
The composition demonstrates many of the qualities for which J.M.W. Turner became celebrated: dramatic weather, turbulent water, shifting light and the use of landscape and atmosphere to heighten the emotional impact of a historical event.
The original painting is identified on the engraving as being from the Vernon Gallery.
The plate is inscribed beneath the image:
“J.M.W. TURNER, R.A., PAINTER”
and
“W. MILLER, ENGRAVER”
with the title:
“THE PRINCE OF ORANGE LANDING AT TORBAY.”
The engraving was executed by William Miller, an important Scottish engraver who became particularly associated with reproducing Turner's work. His highly refined engraving technique was particularly suited to translating Turner's complex effects of light, clouds and water into printed form.
An especially appealing historical image for collectors interested in J.M.W. Turner, William III, the House of Orange, Anglo-Dutch history, the Glorious Revolution and British maritime history.
Condition:
Good antique condition consistent with its age. General light toning with scattered minor spotting and age-related marks, primarily in the margins. Some discoloration and minor wear toward the sheet edges. The engraved image remains clear, detailed and well defined. Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.
Style / Period:
Victorian
Romantic
Mid-19th Century
Of the Period
This is an original antique engraving from the 19th century, not a modern reproduction.
Sold unframed. Any framed or interior images shown are for presentation and inspiration only.
Keywords:
JMW Turner, Joseph Mallord William Turner, William Turner, Prince of Orange, William of Orange, William III, Torbay, Torbay Devon, Glorious Revolution, 1688, House of Orange, Dutch history, British history, Anglo Dutch history, William Miller engraver, antique Turner engraving, Turner maritime print, antique maritime engraving, Victorian engraving, Romantic art, marine art, sailing ships, Dutch fleet, British monarchy, antique royal print, historical engraving, Vernon Gallery, 19th century print, antique nautical art
