Turner's Sublime Landscapes and Classical Myths at Venaria Reale

Following the success of the John Constable exhibition, the Reggia di Venaria Reale continues its collaboration with Tate Britain with a new show dedicated to J.M.W. Turner. Curated by British art historian Anne Lyles, 'Turner. Paesaggi della Mitologia' brings together around forty works—including paintings, watercolors, and sketches—from the London museum. The exhibition explores Turner's fascination with landscape and Greco-Roman mythology, contrasting his sublime, often stormy nature scenes with Constable's picturesque tranquility. Turner's interest in classical subjects emerged between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, inspired by the Bible, literature, and mythology. He studied classical themes at the National Gallery in London and was influenced by artist Richard Wilson, whose paintings placed classical figures in real Italian landscapes. This prompted Turner to travel to Italy and paint works like 'The Bay of Baiae with Apollo and the Sibyl' (1823), a highlight of the show. The exhibition runs at the Reggia di Venaria Reale.