The Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons, 16 October, 1834
The Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons, 16 October, 1834, Joseph Mallord William Turner (British, 1775 - 1851) 1835
Following his usual working practice, J.M.W.Turner made sketches and studies of the fire while it was burning and then reworked them in his studio to render The Burning of the House of Lords and Commons. Turner transformed the flames into a surging maelstrom of vigorously applied, radiant color, thus emphasizing the helplessness of mankind in the face of nature's mysterious and awesome power. The fire's terrifying force, which drawfs people, boats, and bridges, fully embodies the Romantic fascination with the sublime. Turner's free brushwork and brilliant color later inspired the French Impressionists, especially Claude Monet (1840-1926). 
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