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J. M. W. Turner's Ten Defining Paintings Explored

publication · 2026-06-10

J. M. W. Turner, who lived from 1775 to 1851 and was born on Maiden Lane in London, emerged as a pivotal artist in the Romantic movement and laid the groundwork for Modernism. His exploration of themes like loneliness and anxiety was shaped by his mother's stay at St. Luke's Hospital for Lunatics. Notable pieces by Turner include 'Fishermen at Sea' (1796, Tate Britain), 'Snow Storm: Hannibal and His Army Crossing the Alps' (1812, Tate Britain), and 'The Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons' (1835, Cleveland Museum of Art). Other significant works include 'Modern Rome—Campo Vaccino' (1839, J. Paul Getty Museum) and 'The Fighting Temeraire' (1839, National Gallery). His art is housed in major institutions such as Tate Britain and the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Key facts

  • J. M. W. Turner was born in 1775 on Maiden Lane, London.
  • His mother was admitted to St. Luke's Hospital for Lunatics.
  • Fishermen at Sea (1796) is held at Tate Britain.
  • Snow Storm: Hannibal and His Army Crossing the Alps (1812) is at Tate Britain.
  • The Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons (1835) is at Cleveland Museum of Art.
  • Modern Rome—Campo Vaccino (1839) is at J. Paul Getty Museum.
  • The Fighting Temeraire (1839) is at National Gallery, London.
  • Light and Color (1843) references Goethe's color theory and biblical events.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

Locations

  • London, UK
  • Maiden Lane, London, UK
  • Indianapolis, IN, USA
  • Cleveland, OH, USA
  • Los Angeles, CA, USA
  • New York City, NY, USA
  • New Haven, CT, USA
  • Rome, Italy

Sources