Why JMW Turner is still Britain's best artist, 250 years on
Briefly

Joseph Mallord William Turner, regarded as Britain's greatest artist, profoundly depicted his homeland's maritime essence. His 1803 artwork 'Calais Pier' illustrates his awe and fears of the sea upon arriving in France. Turner's works reveal Britain's perilous relationship with the surrounding waters and reflect a deep fascination with landscapes, civilizations, and myths he never fully experienced. Though he traveled little, his paintings of Italy and scenes from his past demonstrate an expansive imagination that challenged the insular notion of being an island nation by representing European influences and interconnected histories.
Turner's fascination and dread of the sea is encapsulated in his 1803 painting 'Calais Pier', where waves seem ready to engulf the wooden jetty.
Despite his limited travels, Turner depicted a vast array of landscapes and mythological themes, showcasing his Europhile imagination and deep connection to art.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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