Sheerness and the Isle of Sheppey (after J.M.W. Turner)

Sheerness and the Isle of Sheppey after J.M.W. Turner from 1807 by Callcott at the National Gallery explicitly acknowledges the powerful influence of Turner on Callcott's early marine painting. Callcott's relationship with Turner was one of admiration and respectful competition throughout their careers—Turner's extraordinary atmospheric ambition pushed Callcott to greater effects while Callcott's more polished and accessible style attracted collectors who found Turner's late work too radical. The phrase 'after Turner' in the title signals a conscious homage to his more celebrated contemporary, unusual for a professional painter exhibiting at the Royal Academy. Callcott's oil technique drew on Dutch marine and landscape traditions as well as Turner's example to produce his characteristic silvery atmospheric effects and careful observation of light on water.

The marine view renders the estuary and sky with atmospheric sensitivity, the influence of Turner evident in the luminous treatment of light on water while Callcott's own gentler manner softens the effects.