On the road to Urbar (Günderodehaus), View of Oberwesel
This watercolour combines at least four different perspectives. Turner assembled them to form a single painting using his sketches for reference. The main view of the Rhine Valley originates from an elevated location, from the direction of Urbar. The view of the ruined tower behind the trees and parts of the foreground also depict impressions that Turner sketched while walking towards Urbar. The »Ox Tower« was inserted into the picture as a separate element. According to this view, the tower would have been over 100 metres high. Turner made these adjustments for reasons of compositional harmony. The work became widely known in 2007 when it was put up for auction at Sotheby’s for just under 4 million Euros. This is an unusually large-format watercolour in which the brush strokes of vibrant yellow and red convey shimmering heat.
Watercolour, circa 1840
Medium: watercolour and gouache with pencil on grey-washed paper
Dimensions: 354 x 533 mm
Collection: private collection
Reference: TW1802; Wilton 1380
Hiking: The RheinBurgenWeg hiking trail is approx. 15 min. away.
The »Günderodehaus« offers one of the most stunning views of Oberwesel.
Address: Siebenjungfrauenblick, Oberwesel
Site: The Turner plaque is located on the terrace in front of the Günderodehaus
Public Transport: Oberwesel railway station: approx. 30 min. walk
By bike: longish detour from the Rheinradweg cycle route with steep uphill slope to the Günderodehaus: depending on fitness level and/or (e-) bike: 15–30 min.
Parking: limited parking in the direct vicinity of the Günderodehaus