Turner vs. old masters at new London exhibition

London — A new exhibition which sets paintings by JMW Turner alongside older master works by the likes of Canaletto and Rembrandt which partly inspired them was previewed in London Monday.

"Turner And The Masters" opens at Tate Britain on September 23 and features around a hundred pictures by the 19th century artist who is often considered one of Britain’s finest, plus Watteau, Titian, Poussin and Reubens.

The exhibition shows "how an artist learns his craft, how he inserts himself in the tradition", said David Solkin, a professor at London’s Courtauld Institute who conceived the show.

One highlight is the showing of Turner’s "Helvoetsluys" and "Opening of Waterloo Bridge" by Constable, his great rival, in the same room for the first time since 1832.

Then, Turner made last-minute adjustments to his work by adding an extra bright red daub of paint so it was not overshadowed by Constable’s more luxuriant painting.

It will later tour to the Grand Palais in Paris from February 22 to May 23 next year and the Museo del Prado in Madrid from June 22 to September 19, 2010.

Last year, an exhibition showing works by Picasso alongside pieces which had inspired them entitled "Picasso And The Masters" was a smash hit in Paris and London.

AFP/Expatica