Dido building Carthage
J. M. W. Turner · 1815
Why it's great
Queen Dido oversees the building of the city of Carthage by a glittering harbor in the golden light of sunrise. Turner was inspired by the paintings of Claude Lorrain, whom he admired. He wanted his work hung next to Claude's, and it still hangs there in the National Gallery. It is among the most beautiful sunrises in art.
🏛️ Part of history
Hannibal & the Punic Wars (264–146 BC) — Turner imagines Carthage, Rome's great rival, rising as a shining harbor city under its legendary queen Dido.
Where to see it
📍 National GalleryLondon, United Kingdom
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Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
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J. M. W. Turner was born in London, the son of a barber, and became a student at the Royal Academy at just 14. He traveled across Britain and Europe, painting storms, ships, and sunsets in swirling light and color. He called the sky his subject, and his late paintings are almost abstract. He left thousands of works to the British nation when he died in London in 1851.
