“Dido Building Carthage,” created by J.M.W. Turner in 1815, is an oil painting on canvas embodying the Romanticism art movement. With dimensions of 155.5 by 232 cm, this historical painting is housed in the National Gallery in London, UK.
The artwork portrays an evocative scene bathed in the golden light of dawn or dusk, characterized by subdued hues and soft, ethereal sunlight reflecting on the calm water. The composition depicts the construction of the ancient city of Carthage, with architectural structures and lush greenery framing the scene. The presence of people along the riverbank suggests bustling activity and grandeur. Turner’s masterful use of light and shadow, characteristic of Romanticism, elicits a sense of wonder and contemplation of the historical narrative.
