Artwork preview

Calm

Joseph Mallord William Turner

National Gallery of Art

The image displays a maritime scene with several sailboats clustered on calm waters, viewed from a dock level perspective. The horizon is subtly suggested by the separation of water and sky, with distant boats visible. The sky and water are depicted in soft brown and sepia tones. The brushstrokes show attention to detail, with textured sails and reflected boats. People are seen on a nearby boat, adding a human element. Additional boats can be seen in the distance against the sky. The overall scene conveys a serene and timeless quality.

Artwork Details

Date
published 1812
Medium
mezzotint and etching
Dimensions
4839 × 3471 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette