Description
Saumur Loire engraving depicting the castle, bridges and riverside life of Saumur in Maine-et-Loire, France. Engraved by James Tibbits Willmore after Joseph Mallord William Turner, this antique print combines a view of the town’s architecture with a detailed scene of activity along the Loire.
The composition was first published in 1833. The precise printing date of this individual impression is not established by the visible inscriptions.
Saumur Castle rises above the town in the background, its towers silhouetted against a broad, cloud-filled sky. Houses and church spires extend along the riverfront. A long stone bridge crosses the middle of the view, with repeated arches reflected in the water below.
Boats occupy different parts of the river, from the moored vessels in the foreground to a sailing boat near the bridge. Their dark hulls contrast with the lighter surfaces of the water and distant buildings. The arrangement draws attention to the Loire as both a landscape feature and a place of work.
The foreground contains numerous small figures. Women handle large pieces of cloth beside the stone embankment, while other people work near timber laid along the shore. Masonry, boats and riverbank materials add texture and depth to the scene.
Fine engraved lines describe the castle, bridge, rooftops and reflections. The transition from the dark foreground to the more softly rendered town conveys the atmospheric qualities of Turner’s design. The sky occupies a substantial part of the image, balancing the detailed activity below.
The lower margin carries the title “Saumur” and the printed credits “Drawn by J. M. W. Turner R.A.” and “Engraved by J. T. Willmore.” These inscriptions form part of the print. The image is uncoloured, with wide surrounding margins and a visible plate impression. The reverse is unprinted.
Dimensions
Sheet: 25.4 × 16.5 cm.
Engraved image: 14.5 × 9.5 cm.
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