The artwork “The Author was in this Storm on the Night the ‘Ariel’ left Harwich” is an oil painting by J.M.W. Turner created in 1842. This painting depicts a paddle steamer, the Ariel, engulfed by a fierce snowstorm and battling against enormous waves to reach shore. The artwork is widely acclaimed for Turner’s unmatched ability to portray nature’s forces unmastered by mankind, showcasing his fascination with the elements and battle of natural forces.
Turner’s swirling vortex of wind, rain, snow, and clouds seen in this work remains influential even today as it is a device that he consistently returned to later on. The painter’s ongoing investigations into light and atmosphere greatly influenced future Impressionists like Monet and Pissarro.
Overall, “The Author was in this Storm on the Night the ‘Ariel’ left Harwich” showcases Turner’s skill to capture both the beauty of nature and its power while providing insightful commentary about his era. Furthermore, this painting holds historical significance as it portrays battles with severe winter storms that were common during 19th-century transportation in Britain.
