The Fighting Temeraire
J. M. W. Turner · 1839
Why it's great
A pale old warship, famous from the Battle of Trafalgar, is towed by a small steam tugboat to be broken up for scrap, while the sun sets in a blaze of gold. Turner showed the end of the age of sail and the start of the steam age. It was voted Britain's favorite painting in a 2005 poll. People still love its feeling of farewell.
👀 Look closer!
A big ship is being towed by a small boat. Which one do you think is doing the hard work?
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:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
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.
