Details of the masterpiece
The painting, titled 'Rome, from Mount Aventine', offers a sweeping panoramic view of the Italian capital. The work is a product of the 19th century and was based on detailed sketches the artist produced during his time in Rome. This return to the city allows the piece to be viewed in the very environment that informed its composition.
Experts highlight that the masterpiece is remarkably well preserved. In fact, it is believed to have never undergone restoration, a rarity for a work of this age. A close-up inspection reveals intimate details of the creation process, with traces of fingerprints and even individual brush hairs still visible on the surface.
Auction expectations and value
The painting holds an exceptional pedigree in the art market, having appeared at auction only once before. During that previous sale, the work commanded a price of more than £30 million. However, the valuation has grown significantly since then.
Sotheby's now expects the landscape to fetch approximately £50 million when it goes under the hammer in London this December. This substantial jump in projected value underscores the immense interest in Turner's work and the unique condition of this specific painting.
Artistic context and history
The exhibition provides a rare opportunity for the public to see the work in Rome before it heads to the United Kingdom. The painting is currently on display at the Palazzo Rondinini, but the engagement is brief; it will be on show in the city for only three days.
Following this short period in Italy, the work will move to London for its scheduled sale at Sotheby's. The display at Palazzo Rondinini serves as a final homecoming for the piece, reconnecting the 19th-century masterpiece with the Roman landscape that served as its original inspiration.
