What's the story behind Turner's 'The Fighting Temeraire'? | National Gallery

'The Fighting Temeraire' by Joseph Mallord William Turner is one of the nation’s most beloved paintings, capturing the moment that HMS Temeraire was towed up the Thames to Rotherhithe to be broken up, in the 19th century. But what did this symbolise to the British people at the time? And how does Turner use his unrivalled skill as a landscape artist to capture the moment?

Christine Riding, Director of Collections and Research at the National Gallery, shares her thoughts on why this is such an important work.

As part of the programme of events to celebrate our Bicentenary, 12 of the nation’s most iconic and well-loved paintings from the collection are being lent to 12 venues across the UK.

See Turner's 'The Fighting Temeraire' at Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle upon Tyne until 7 September 2024: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/ex...

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The National Gallery houses the national collection of paintings in the Western European tradition from the 13th to the 19th centuries. The museum is free of charge and open 361 days per year, daily between 10am - 6pm and on Fridays between 10am - 9pm.

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