Rain Steam and Speed is an oil painting created in 1844 by British artist Joseph Mallord William Turner, considered the precursor of Impressionism. It depicts a locomotive crossing a bridge over the Thames in a misty and turbulent landscape. It is housed in the National Gallery in London and is part of the Romantic movement.
Historical context
Rain Steam and Speed is set in context of Industrial Revolution which transformed economy politics society 19th century. The railway invented at beginning century developed rapidly became symbol technical progress modernity. It allowed cities to be connected transported goods passengers facilitated exchanges trade.
Turner who was himself shareholder Great Western Railway Company was fascinated by railway its effects on landscape. He created several paintings on this theme including Rain Steam and Speed which is one most famous. He was inspired by personal experience: during train journey in rain he saw locomotive arriving in opposite direction wanted to immortalize this vision.
Description
The painting depicts scene from viewer’s point view who is on bridge facing locomotive. The bridge is Maidenhead Railway Bridge built between 1837 1839 by engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It allowed Great Western Line to connect London Bristol. The locomotive is one most modern time: Firefly Class which had set speed record 1840 with average 80 km/h.
The composition is centered on locomotive which occupies left third canvas. It emerges from curtain rain creating blur motion effect. It is surrounded by cloud steam blending with cloudy sky. It is painted with quick thick strokes making its shape indistinct but dynamic.
The landscape is treated with more detail but remains imprecise distant. It consists natural elements (river trees hills) human elements (cultivated fields city old road bridge). It is lit by diffuse changing light creating contrasts between light dark areas. It is painted with fine light strokes creating impression atmosphere.
Analysis
Rain Steam and Speed is emblematic work Romanticism expressing feelings emotions painter facing nature society. Turner creates dramatic fantastic atmosphere referring to changing world.
The painting illustrates theme contrast between past present tradition modernity nature civilization. The locomotive embodies power speed industrial progress; landscape represents beauty tranquility rural world. Turner does not take sides for one or other; he simply shows their coexistence.
The work also testifies to talent innovation Turner revolutionizing art painting. He uses bold original technique dissolving forms light color. He thus anticipates style Impressionists who will draw inspiration from his work to represent atmospheric effects.
Rain Steam and Speed is unique work art history combining historical realism poetic imagination. It reveals genius personality Joseph Mallord William Turner one greatest British painters 19th century. It invites viewer contemplate grandiose disturbing spectacle transcending limits time space.
