Joseph Mallord William Turner R.A. (1775-1851) The Dead Sea Watercolour on paper, heightened with body colour and gum Arabic, with scratching out 12.7 x 20.3 cm Provenance: First recorded in the collection of John Heugh, Manchester. By 1868, the picture was in the collection of Gilbert Winter Moss, and was in his sale, deceased, London, Christie’s, 28th April 1900. Bought by Agnew’s. In the collection of Barnet Lewis, his sale, deceased, London, Christie’s, February 1930.Bought by Agnew’s for 105 guineas. In the collection of S.A Cave, his sale, London, Christie’s, 26th May 1961, bought by Taishoff for 950 guineas. Sold again London, Sotheby’s 12th April 1995 and acquired after the sale. This detailed watercolour was designed for publication as part of a series of twenty- eight plates of the Holy Land, commissioned by the engravers, Edward and William Finden (1787-1852). The panoramic scene shows the Dead Sea, Jericho and the mouth of the river Jordan. Visible in the distance are the Mountains of Moab and the Mountains of Eden. The painting also illustrates Turner’s complex technique, which is especially effective in such watercolours executed in the studio. The Schorr Collection Catalogue Volume 1, page