Evidence, Not Experience

Popular publications cite 'Fishemen At Sea' as Turner's first exhibited oil in 1796 but the evidence of RA Catalogue Anti-Room picture shows that Turner's first exhibited oil was 1793.

Evidence shows that 1792 Turner painted 4 oils on canvas. 2 Rochesters, 1 self portrait and the 1793 RA Exhibit. There are suggestions of others which may be canvas or panel.
Just before the 4 oils on canvas there is a definite oil on paper and there is the 'Bell' Sunset

Only one of the 4 oils on canvas is currently attributed, the self portrait in Indianapolis. No living person has seen the other three (or the 'others')

so the pretence of 'decades of experience examining such pictures (being early - pre 1796) then the gap years ??? 74-75 no oil exhibits - change of techniques etc.... is a complete nonsense.

arguments include Bell, and hanging position find the passage in B&J

all the arguments against it / B&J reluctant acceptance

The evidence shows that the artist had intimate knowledge of Turners Back View watercolour

Back view watercolour was in turner bequest

?? Another artist could have copied rising squall and this is the copy -> so unlikely who would bother to copy turner in 1793 - poss Girtin but he was watercolour only

another artist at st vincents rock but the overhanging rock and dome rock complex is (probably) Turner's studio invention from van der velde