Painting “Fishermen at Sea” by William Turner – a pictorial poem about the collision of man and the elements
“Fishermen at Sea” – a painting by William Turner was written in 1796 and is dedicated to the hard work of sea miners. Gloomy sky and raging waves with a dark frame frame the main scene. The moon came out from behind the clouds, illuminating the section of water through which the boat is sailing.
The second boat is barely visible to the right. A group of seagulls stands out in contrast against the background of the approaching darkness. Despite the elements threatening people, the plot is not perceived as hopeless. The author realistically depicted the harsh everyday life of anglers, carefully worked out the background and every detail of the action. The coast is visible through the veil and the fishermen can return. But they bravely continue their journey, and the moonlight inspires hope for an imminent calm.
Author: William Turner (1775-1851).
Year of writing: 1796.
Size: 91 x 122 cm.
Style: Romanticism.
Genre: Landscape.
Technique: Oil painting.
Material: Canvas.
Location: Tate Gallery, London, UK.
William Turner is rightfully one of the ten most famous painters in Great Britain.
At the beginning of the 19th century, he became famous not only as a master of the romantic seascape. The artist has always tried to reflect the emotional mood, attached great importance to the plot. No wonder in world art he is considered the forerunner of French impressionism.
The painting “Fishermen at Sea” by William Turner is distinguished by the boldness of overlaying colors, the ability to convey the effect of the glow of the water column. At the Royal Academy exhibition in 1796, critics noted the author’s impeccable mastery of the oil painting technique, which he mastered on his own. The talent of the master, the ability to convey the fragility of human existence in a changeable world, make his works relevant to this day.
