Evening Arrival At Cologne: A Boat's Journey

Cologne, the Arrival of a Packet-Boat: Evening is a painting by British artist Joseph Mallord William Turner, exhibited in 1826. The oil-on-canvas work depicts the city of Cologne, a former Roman colony and a free imperial city during the Holy Roman Empire, situated on the banks of the Rhine River. Turner's painting captures a small section of the city, including the tower and spire of the Great St. Martin Church, contributing to a sense of timelessness with its medieval appearance, defensive towers, and walls. The painting is currently part of the Frick Collection in New York, USA, and has become a renowned example of Turner's artistic skill and brilliance.

The painting depicts the arrival of a packet boat in Cologne, Germany

The painting "Cologne, the Arrival of a Packet-Boat: Evening" by Joseph Mallord William Turner depicts a packet boat arriving in the German city of Cologne on the Rhine River. The painting was exhibited in 1826 at the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition in Somerset House, a year after Turner presented "Dieppe" at the Royal Academy.

Cologne, with its rich history as a former Roman colony and a free imperial city during the Holy Roman Empire, was a bustling hub of commercial, educational, and religious activity. When Turner visited, the city still retained much of its medieval character, which is reflected in the painting. The artist captures only a small section of the city, focusing on the tower and spire of the church of Gross St. Martin, which pierces the evening sky. The defensive towers, walls, and customs house leading up to the church are also visible.

The painting conveys a sense of time standing still, with laboring women dressed in peasant attire and an abandoned fishing contraption in the foreground. This sense of stillness is about to be broken by the arrival of the packet boat, carrying female tourists to shore. The contrast between the peaceful, timeless scene and the impending arrival of the boat creates a sense of dynamic tension in the painting.

Turner's masterful use of light and colour in "Cologne, the Arrival of a Packet-Boat: Evening" did not go unnoticed by critics. One commentator praised the "wonderful skill, and the lightness and brilliancy" that Turner achieved in the painting. Today, the artwork is part of the Frick Collection in New York, USA, where viewers can appreciate the beauty and historical context captured by Turner in this depiction of Cologne.

It was created by British artist Joseph Mallord William Turner in 1826

"Cologne, the Arrival of a Packet-Boat: Evening" is a painting created by British artist Joseph Mallord William Turner in 1826. The oil-on-canvas work depicts the city of Cologne, a former Roman colony and a free imperial city during the Holy Roman Empire, situated on the banks of the Rhine River. Turner's painting captures the medieval appearance of the city, focusing on a small section: the tower and spire of the Great St. Martin Church, with its defensive towers, walls, and customs house. The labouring women in the painting are dressed in peasant clothing, and an abandoned fishing contraption sits idle, contributing to a sense of time standing still. A ferry boat carrying female tourists approaches the shore, about to break the spell.

The painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy's 1826 Summer Exhibition at Somerset House, alongside another of Turner's works, "Mortlake Terrace". The piece is now part of the Frick Collection in New York City, USA.

Turner's work on this painting showcases his remarkable skill and lightness of touch, as noted by a critic at the time. The painting's dimensions are 66 3/8 x 88 1/4 inches (168.6 x 224.2 cm).

The artwork is oil on canvas and measures 66 3/8 x 88 1/4 inches

The artwork "Cologne, the Arrival of a Packet-Boat, Evening" by Joseph Mallord William Turner is a stunning example of the artist's mastery of oil painting on canvas. The piece is a large-scale work, measuring 66 3/8 x 88 1/4 inches (or 168.6 x 224.2 cm), and is currently part of the Frick Collection in New York City, United States.

This painting depicts a scene of the Rhine River passing through the city of Cologne, with a packet boat arriving in the evening light. The tower and spire of the Great St. Martin Church pierce the sky on the right side of the composition, with the city's defensive towers, walls, and customs house leading up to it. The artist's use of light and colour creates a sense of brilliance and skill that has been noted by critics.

Turner's choice to include labouring women in peasant dress and an abandoned fishing contraption adds a sense of timelessness to the scene, as if time has stood still in this moment. The arrival of the ferry boat carrying female tourists to shore breaks the spell, bringing a sense of movement and life to the painting. The painting is a testament to Turner's ability to capture the beauty and atmosphere of a place, in this case, the historic city of Cologne.

The size of the painting contributes to its impact, with its large dimensions allowing for a detailed and immersive portrayal of the cityscape. The artwork is a valuable addition to the Frick Collection and has drawn admiration from viewers and critics alike for its technical skill and artistic brilliance.

Turner exhibited the painting at the Royal Academy's 1826 Summer Exhibition

Turner exhibited 'Cologne, the Arrival of a Packet-Boat: Evening' at the Royal Academy's 1826 Summer Exhibition, a year after he presented 'Dieppe' at the Royal Academy. The painting depicts a scene of the Rhine River passing through the city of Cologne as a packet boat arrives. The work showcases Turner's expressive colouring, imaginative landscapes, and turbulent maritime scenes.

The exhibition of 'Cologne' at the Royal Academy in 1826 was a significant moment in Turner's career. By this time, he had already established himself as a talented artist, having exhibited his first watercolour at the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition in 1790 and his first oil painting in 1796. Turner had a long-standing relationship with the Royal Academy, becoming a full Academician in 1802 and serving as Professor of Perspective from 1807 to 1837.

The 1826 Summer Exhibition provided a platform for Turner to showcase his artistic skills and unique style. 'Cologne' stood out for its depiction of a commercial and religious centre, with the tower and spire of the Great St. Martin Church piercing the evening sky. Turner masterfully captured the sense of time standing still, with labouring women in peasant dress and a fishing contraption, while a ferry boat carrying female tourists approached the shore.

The painting's exhibition contributed to Turner's reputation and impact on the art world. Today, 'Cologne, the Arrival of a Packet-Boat: Evening' is recognised as one of Turner's significant works and is part of the Frick Collection in New York, USA.

The painting is now part of The Frick Collection in New York, USA

The painting "Cologne, the Arrival of a Packet-Boat in the Evening" is now part of The Frick Collection in New York, USA. The Frick Collection is a renowned museum that houses a variety of artistic treasures, and the Turner painting is undoubtedly one of its highlights. The painting's presence in the collection adds to its prestige and cultural significance.

The painting, created by British artist Joseph Mallord William Turner in 1826, captures a captivating scene of the Rhine River flowing through the historic city of Cologne. It showcases Turner's exceptional skill in depicting the interplay of light and water, with a packet boat arriving in the evening light. The painting is a testament to Turner's mastery of landscape art and his ability to convey a sense of atmosphere and movement.

The inclusion of "Cologne, the Arrival of a Packet-Boat in the Evening" in The Frick Collection is a testament to its artistic merit and historical value. The Frick Collection is known for its discerning eye and acquisition of exceptional artworks, and Turner's painting undoubtedly meets these high standards. The painting joins other notable works in the collection, contributing to its overall prestige and cultural significance.

The Frick Collection provides a valuable opportunity for art enthusiasts and scholars to study and appreciate "Cologne, the Arrival of a Packet-Boat in the Evening" up close. Visitors can immerse themselves in the intricate details of the painting, such as the tower and spire of the church of Gross St. Martin, the defensive towers, and the sense of time standing still created by the labouring women in peasant dress.

The painting's exhibition at The Frick Collection ensures its preservation for future generations and contributes to the cultural landscape of New York City. It serves as a testament to Turner's artistic genius and provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural significance of Cologne as a major commercial, educational, and religious centre during the time of the Holy Roman Empire.

Frequently asked questions