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"This picture*"
Page 26 lines 16 & 17 and the footnote

Next, within the 'big thought' paragraph, Miller wrote:
"Whether this picture* was the first finished, is doubtful." __ lines 16/17

  • The * refers to a footnote which describes a painting about which Miller expresses his doubt; he is basically saying that 'Rochester Castle with Fishermen Drawing Boats Ashore In A Gale of Wind' was not Turner's first finished oil painting. Note the use of the pronoun 'He' at the end of line 3. 'He' must be Turner, but Turner's name is missing suggesting that this footnote is quoted from a longer passage and not written by Miller. If so, Miller is competent to dispute the picture in the footnote as 'Turner but not the first finished' or simply as 'not by Turner'.

A question arises as to which picture "this picture*" refers because the extract on lines 16/17 is placed between two pictures and may therefore be read in three different contexts which are examined on the following pages:

Miller appears to be describing a picture painted by J.M.W. Turner. However, Miller doubts that it is Turner's first finished oil. This footnote seems to be quoted from a longer passage and not written by Miller.

"This picture*" is placed between two pictures.
  • context 1. "This picture..." as if it is a stand alone comment, and refers only to the picture described in the footnote
  • context 2. "This picture" as if it is 'View of Rochester'
  • context 3. "This picture" as if is intended to refer to the picture that follows; that is: the picture in the possession of Dr. Nixon

Common factors emerge from the detailed examination. In all three contexts:
  • The first oil started was 'View of Rochester'.
  • It is the picture described in the footnote that is in doubt.
  • There are 2 oils that could be 'the first finished'; the one started in Rochester and the one finished in Foots Cray (depending on the context either of these may or may not be the picture described in the footnote).
  • Turner's first oil paints were purchased in Rochester.
  • Bishop Nixon has a picture he claims is the first finished.
  • It is implied, but Miller does not actually write it, that Hering claims to be in possession of Turner's first oil.