Brilliant masterpiece by William Turner helps children in need Waldenburg, Switzerland, 21st Dec/News Aktuell-AsiaNet/ -- To save several thousand children from dying of cold and starvation and in honour of Christmas 2000, the celebration of Love and Peace, the Limacon Foundation of Liechtenstein has decided to sell The battle of Cape St. Vincent, the principal work of the most eminent British artist William Turner in its possession, and to use the proceeds for urgent humanitarian projects, especially for children in need all over the world. The painting is considered one of Englands most important national treasures and is, according to expert opinion, the best sea-battle scene in the world of art. The value of this masterpiece, presently located in London, is estimated at 60 to 80 million British Pounds. The painting has been inspected and verified by numerous international institutes and experts of art, in particular: - Ph.D. Dipl. Conserv. BSc. Nicholas Eastaugh, Turner specialist, 1999, on behalf of UCL Painting Analysis Ltd., History of Art Department, University College, London. Eastaugh comes to the conclusion that it is undoubtedly a characteristic original piece by William Turner (ref. no. 99728/17.1). - Prof. Dr. Ernst Ullmann, member of "Sachsische Akademie der Wissenschaften" (academy of sciences in Saxony) and honorary member of "Comite Internationale d'Histoire de l'Art", for the past ten years advisor of the Paul Getty Museum in Malibu, USA, 1999: "[...] undoubtedly a Turner masterpiece [...]." - Prof. Dr. phil. Ingo Sandner, Fachhochschule (technical college) Cologne, specialising in restoration and conservation of works of art and culture, 1999: "[...] marvellous painting by Turner [...]." - Prof. Dr. Robert Williams, University of California, Department of Art History, 1997: "[...] no doubt an original work by Turner [...]." - Prof. Dr. Bernhard Kerber, College of Arts, Department of Paintings, Berlin, 1997: "[...] virtuoso and masterly art creation by Turner [...]" The Limacon Foundation, founded in 1992 to aid poor and suffering people all over the world, is conducting the sale of the painting under the auspices of non-profit-making organisation WELTFRIEDENS-UNION e.V. whose president is also the donor. Bibliography: P. Hamm, Grvsste Entdeckungen in der Kunstgeschichte von Leonardo bis Monet, Habilitationsschrift Basel 1995 (Quote: "... das Hauptwerk von Turner ..."). P. and F. Hamm, Die Jahrhundertstory der Welt, 1996, ISBN 3.907823-00-1, (Quote:"... die beste Seeschlachtszene der Welt von William Turner ") with colour photos, pp. 145 ff. Attachment: Colour photo Turner ots original text service: Prof. Dr. Palma Hamm obs original picture: http://www.newsaktuell.ch/d/galerie.htx?type=obs Internet research: www.newsaktuell.ch Enquiries: Prof. Dr. Palma Hamm, Schellenberg 5, CH-4437 Waldenburg, phone and fax +41 61 961 15 60 Source: Prof. Dr. Palma Hamm