It is famously reported that to create this image, JMW Turner was tied to the mast of a ship for four hours, during an actual storm. While the story is almost definitely untrue, it’s a wonderful contribution to the myth of this great painter. 

You can just make out the forms and shapes in Turner’s haphazard brushstrokes; a paddle-steamer negotiating the turbulent waters, snow and sea merging as the elements collide. Turner is the uncontested champion of depicting the natural world exercising its control. In this image, we are drawn to the steam boat, puny and humble in the heart of this great elemental vortex. We could think of it as a symbol of mankind’s efforts, in vain, to triumph over nature.