".... it is no use taking such a little figure as mine........... it
will do my drawings an injury; people will say such a little fellow as
this can never draw" - JMW Turner
Figure 2. A contentious portrait by Cornelius Varley, presumed to be of JMW Turner, using the Graphic Telescope. Not signed or dated (50.3 x 37.4 cm)
Cornelius Varley (1781-1873) was an exceptional inventor, scientist, and artist. He combined these skills in the creating of scientific instruments that made him famous in his life-time. In 1811, Cornelius Varley patented an instrument known as the graphic telescope, an optical aid for artists. This could project a reduced image onto paper which could then be traced over by hand, producing an accurate drawing of a subject (Source). Through observation and artistic merit, he applied the use of his graphic telescope to sketch landscapes, portraits and to record any cosmic events.
While the daguerreotype could resemble Turners death mask, the Varley portrait appears completely different (Figure 2). This visual assumption is based upon the general 'look' of Turner in the portrait compared to all the other authenticated portraits of him. Speculation as to the subject not being Turner has grown in recent years to such an extent that investigation into its authenticity needs to be undertaken (Pers con: Dr Shelby Whittingham).
My studies in Forensic Anthropology lead me to explore a vision in the comparison of human faces. This website exhibits the sum components and fall out from my work. I hope this project forms the basis for further research in this field at the highest levels of expertise.
This project was undertaken as part of an MSc at the University of Dundee.