A Lasting Impression

 

James Mallord William Turner, Slavers Throwing Overboard the Dead and Dying – Typhoon coming On (The Slave Ship) (1840) oil on canvas 35 ¾” x 48 ¼”

Have you ever thought about how selfish we are sometimes?

In this piece of art the British men on the ship have thrown their African slaves overboard. In order to lighten their load they made the executive decision to rid their ship of everything including the African slaves. Horrible idea?
Obviously not horrible enough.

It is important to note that during this period of time that the majority of slavery in England had stopped, however, this particular situation was quite unique. This work of art was a product of the reformation taking place and a result of the revolution. The critics did not find this piece humorous, rather an eye-opener to the reality of what was occurring beyond the doors to their homes in England. It not only opened the eyes of the critics, but influenced and strongly impacted the viewers of this realistic art piece. Slavers Throwing Overboard the Dead and Dying – Typhoon coming On (The Slave Ship) (1840) was Turner's way of expressing his feelings toward slavery in order that those who were still using slaves in England would see his painting and recognize in the foreground the bodies of slaves. Nevertheless, it was truly impacting during this time, and it had a profound effect on people’s views on slavery.

Turner's works were a little too radical for people during this time, but London's most powerful critic, John Ruskin, thought Turner was an art genius. Ruskin was known for belittling many artists works, like James Abbott McNeill Whistler's, Nocturne in Black and Gold (The Falling Rocket) (c.1875), which Ruskin thought he flung paint on the canvas. However, this was not Ruskin's response to Turner's Slavers Throwing Overboard the Dead and Dying – Typhoon coming On (The Slave Ship) (1840). On the contrary, Ruskin used his connections and power as a popular critic to elevate Turner's artwork. This demonstrates the power of the critic in European society during the 1800's.

 

James Abbott McNeill Whistler Nocturne in Black and Gold 

(The Falling Rocket) (c.1875) oil on canvas 1’ 115/8” x 1’ 61/2” 

Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit

In my opinion, Throwing Overboard the Dead and Dying – Typhoon coming On (The Slave Ship) (1840) has much detail throughout each of Turner's brushstrokes which invokes an inviting and informing message throughout the whole painting. This piece creates tension and an almost sorrowful emotion within me, as a viewer. I feel that the selfish, impersonal, and brutal actions taken by these Englishmen was an atrocity. How could anyone do that? Although I know that times were quite different during this era, I cannot help but feel sympathy and somewhat upset in the thought of this inhuman act. Nevertheless, Turner's piece influenced viewers, critics, and other artists - the French artists in particular. His emphasis on texture and detail leaves you with an overwhelming view of a horrendous, but very real act that occurred in history. It will forever remain as one of the most impacting pieces of art that I have viewed, and for this reason I have chosen to exhibit it in Gallery 9310. Again, I hope you enjoyed this historical overview of Turner's Slavers Throwing Overboard the Dead and Dying – Typhoon coming On (The Slave Ship) (1840). Please feel free to comment and let me know how this piece of art has impacted you!

-Gallery 9310, The Owner