Rare Antique 1860s JMW Turner Decline of Carthage Hand Watercolour Engraving

Rare Antique 1860s JMW Turner Decline of Carthage Hand Watercolour Engraving


A beautiful and potentially scarce original Victorian engraving dating from the 1860s, depicting The Decline of Carthage, after the celebrated British artist Joseph Mallord William Turner RA (1775–1851), engraved by J. B. Allen.


What makes this example particularly appealing is its delicate hand-colouring in watercolour paint, rather than being presented as a conventional black-and-white engraving.


The carefully applied watercolour washes enhance Turner’s magnificent classical composition, bringing subtle colour and atmosphere to the architectural details, figures, harbour and dramatic sky.


Originally inspired by Turner’s celebrated painting The Decline of the Carthaginian Empire, exhibited in 1817, the scene portrays the fading grandeur of ancient Carthage, with imposing classical buildings, figures along the waterfront and the soft light of a setting sun.


An attractive antique example displaying natural age-related toning and signs of age consistent with its approximately 160-year history.


The hand painted watercolour colouring retains an appealing, subtle appearance.


Presented in a decorative gilt frame with some age-related wear.


The engraving has not been removed from its frame for examination.


Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.


A particularly attractive Victorian hand-watercoloured engraving after J. M. W. Turner, combining the craftsmanship of 19th-century printmaking with the individual character of traditional watercolour colouring.


An appealing addition to a collection of antique British art, Turner-related works, Victorian engravings or classical landscapes.


The frame measures approx 39cm x 31cm