Comparing The Burning Of The Houses Of Lords And Commons

Joseph Mallord William Turner’s painting, The Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons, 16 October 1834 (1835), captures the drama of first-hand expe rience through careful rendering of texture, colors, and composition. These elements, along with well-though out exhibit, make for a very powerful experience of a true historical event. Turner, an English Romantic artist, creates this work with oil on canvas. It measures about four feet high and five feet wide framed. This work is a good example of two of the qualities Turner was known for; his landscapes and masterful painting of light. The Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons, 16 October 1834 was very popular because it depicted a tragic moment in history. This series of paintings,
As the flames cool and rise into the atmosphere, the colors shift from yellow to orange to deep russet. These warm tones at the focal point of the work stand out against the contrasting cool, grey tones of the surrounding sky. The detail of this work is in color and texture rather than in lines-- the way the eye would actually take it in; squinting from the bright light, perhaps with eyes tearing from smoke or emotions. The reflection of the ascending flames reaches all the way across the river to the bottom edge of the painting, giving the feeling of standing on the riverbank. Like the onlookers in the painting moved as close to the river’s edge as possible, the viewer feels compelled to step closer to see how Turner works his
The dock points toward the center of the flames, and a small boat is seen here, also pointed toward the center. We can gather that the boat is headed for the flames by the direction of the small wake behind it. Near the shore, the water is calm, adding more contrast to the destruction in the middle. More boats can be seen closer to the flames. It is unclear whether these boats are returning from ground zero or moving toward it in futility. There is an open area in the center foreground of the painting where it feels natural for the viewer to stand. The wind seems to be blowing towards this area; the colors and motion bring the scent of smoke to mind. Viewing the work from the center of the scene adds to the feeling of experiencing this important moment in British history