In pictures: Turner and Italy

British artist JMW Turner was inspired as a youth by Italian old masters. His painting of Rome, from the Vatican shows Raphael painting in the foreground.

Turner visited Italy seven times at a time when travel there would take several weeks.

This painting of the Pass of St Gothard from 1803 shows Turner's early more conventional style.

The Approach to Venice from 1844 is much less literal, showing Turner's later technique. John Ruskin described the painting as "the most perfectly beautiful piece of colour... produced by human hands".

Over 100 works are on show at the National Gallery of Scotland from 27 March until 7 June

The exhibition also includes works from the artist's sketchbook.

Turner painted watercolours of the city as well as large scale oils paintings. The oils were exhibited annually and the watercolours were engraved for publication to reach a wider audience.

The Mediterranean light influenced Turner's colour palette and critics were surprised when even his British views began to be suffused in a yellow light.

Turner returned to the subject of Italy throughout his career. This painting, Modern Rome - Campo Vaccino, was made in 1839.

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