The artist Turner and his modern-day descendants showcased at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco

Rothko’s Legacy at Tate Gallery

In the years 1968 and 1969, Mark Rothko decided to donate nine out of the thirty paintings he had originally created for New York’s Seagram Building to the Tate Gallery in London. The American painter was motivated by the significant prospect of being hung near the works of English painter Joseph Mallord William Turner, whose collection at the London museum is the largest in the world, consisting of 32,000 pieces in total. Rothko humorously remarked, “This Turner owes me a lot!”

Turner’s Influence in Contemporary Art

The Grimaldi Forum in Monaco is currently hosting an exhibition dedicated to Turner, showcasing a selection of his works along with those of fifteen contemporary artists who draw inspiration from his artistry. The exhibition aims to highlight the ongoing relevance of the long-deceased painter by juxtaposing nearly eighty works of Turner with pieces by modern artists who carry on his legacy of the sublime.

The Concept of the Sublime in Art

The notion of the “sublime” in art, as explored in the exhibition, is contrasted with the concept of the “picturesque.” The sublime, according to English critic John Ruskin, encompasses the grandeur and awe-inspiring qualities found in nature, as depicted in the works of Turner. Many contemporary artists participating in the exhibition share concerns similar to those of Turner regarding environmental issues and industrialization, reflecting the enduring impact of his legacy.

*Image: Trois marines by Turner, alongside Untitled (1969) by Rothko*

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