The painting, titled "Rising Storm, Hot Wells, from St. Vincent Cliff, Bristol," depicts a dramatic storm engulfing Hot Wells House in Bristol (UK), a view from the eastern bank of the Avon River, where the Clifton Suspension Bridge is now located.
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Turner wrote this work when he was only 17 years old. Now it is considered the earliest of his oil paintings exhibited during the artist's lifetime - it was shown at the Royal Academy exhibition in 1793.
The painting was last shown to the public in 1858 - at an exhibition in Tasmania, after which it disappeared in private collections for more than a century and a half. After it was discovered again last year, Turner's signature was found during the restoration process.
"Her reappearance allows viewers and researchers to re-evaluate this great artist's remarkable aspiration at an early stage of his career. He already demonstrated confidence and skill in working with oil, far surpassing previously known examples," the press release states.
The painting will be displayed for the public at London's Sotheby's from June 28 to July 1, 2025, before an auction where it is planned to be sold for between £200,000 and £300,000 (approximately €237,544 to €356,316).
The auction also coincides with Turner's 250th birthday celebration. Throughout Great Britain, including the Tate Gallery in London, the National Gallery, and the Turner Contemporary Center, exhibitions and events are held in honor of the artist's legacy.
Considered one of the world's most influential artists of the 18th century, Turner was a key figure in Romanticism and became famous for his dramatic landscapes with rich colors and turbulent skies.
Although "The Rising Storm" was mentioned in the obituaries, the painting was mistakenly considered watercolor and therefore not included in Turner's first exhibition of oil paintings.
The painting is based on a drawing from the artist's earliest notebook and watercolor, both works are kept in the Tate Britain gallery. It is believed that the canvas was first acquired (and possibly commissioned) by Reverend Robert Nixon - Turner's friend and early patron.
Until now, Turner's earliest oil painting was considered to be "Fishermen in the Sea," which was shown at the Royal Academy exhibition in 1796.