Looking towards Magdalen Tower, Oxford from the Bridge
Looking towards Magdalen Tower, Oxford from the Bridge
William Turner of Oxford (1789-1862)
Looking towards Magdalen Tower, Oxford from the Bridge
Signed lower right: W. Turner/Oxford
Watercolour heightened with touches of white
21.8 by 35.5 cm., 8 ½ by 14 in.
Provenance:
Anonymous sale, Christie's London, 16th November 2006, lot 83;
By descent
This is a view looking north-west over Magdalen Bridge. Magdalen Tower is one of the oldest parts of Magdalen College, begun in 1492 and completed in 1509. It is joined to the south range of the college's buildings and at 144 feet is one of the tallest buildings in Oxford, dominating the skyline. To the left over the trees of the Botanic Gardens are visible the tower of University Church, the Radcliffe Camera and the twin towers of All Souls College.
A similar view of Magdalen Bridge, dated 'Sept 10 1859', was sold Sotheby's on 9th March 1989, lot 85.