Fishermen at sea (1796) this great painting depicts a moonlit view of fishermen on rough seas near the needles, of the isle of wight. It juxtaposes the fragility of human life, represented by the small boat with its flickering lamp, and the sublime power of nature, represented by the dark clouded sky, the wide sea, and the threatening rocks in the background. The cold light of the moon at night contrasts with the warmer glow of the fishermens lantern. It was praised by contemporary critics and founded turners reputation, as both an oil painter and a painter of maritime scenes. Art historian andrew wilton has commented that the image is a summary of all that had been said about the sea by the artists of the 18th century. Dutch boats in a gale (1801) the crew look terrified, some of whom are on the verge of falling into the water, with little chance of being rescued. This scene is turner at his emotional and expressive best, drawing us into this scene of terror, as if we were there on the day. The use of colour and lighting, for which he was well respected, are essential in building this atmosphere in the mind of the viewer. The lighting is dramatic dark and frightening, as we get into the fearful minds of the respective crews. Joseph mallord william turner (17751851) was one of the most important english romantic painters of the 19th century. He is known for his expressive colourisations, imaginative landscapes and turbulent, often violent marine paintings. He was championed by the leading english art critic john ruskin from 1840, and is today regarded as having elevated landscape painting to an eminence rivalling history painting. Turners imagination was sparked by shipwrecks, fires, and natural phenomena such as sunlight, storm, rain, and fog. He was fascinated by the violent power, turbulence and tidestorms of the sea. Its said that his last words before death were, the sun is god.