Turner: Painting The Fighting Temeraire | National Gallery

Matthew Morgan gives an in-depth talk on Joseph Mallord William Turner's renowned painting 'The Fighting Temeraire'. Enjoy an insight into Turner's painting technique, and discover the reasons why Turner might have chosen to paint this warship that served in the Battle of Trafalgar.

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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 10.00 am - 6.00 pm and on Fridays between 10.00 am - 9.00 pm.

Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN

[SteveBernard]

My favourite painting.

Firstly, brilliant presentation by someone who really understands their subject.
When I first saw the painting as a child, I thought it was a sunrise, though later changed my mind.
I don’t think Turner was trying to tell us ‘I was there, this is what I saw’, my interpretation has always understood the painting as a ‘farewell’ to an historic era in British naval history and technology. The ghostly, yet regal spectre of the Temeraire evokes so many emotions. An enormous presence, though somehow not there.
Always good to learn something new about my favourite painting, again, brilliant presentation.

[susannejackson-ki]

Love the story of this painting..I am watching on good friday 2025🇳🇿

[JevaisaNY]

You can tell the enthusiasm for Turner overwhelms him. His mind is flooded with ideas, he’s buzzing.

[nicolarollinson]

One of my favourite paintings. I love Turner's style

[santanu]

Thousands of miles away from The National Gallery I am watching this delightfully incredible lecture!!! Thanks a ton for this

[johnkulczycki]

Turner's representation of light is amazing

[kimhansen]

How cool you publish these presentations. I cen comfortly sit in my living room hundreds of miles away and visit the National Gallery at the same time - in front row! Marvelous! Thank you for the presentation, good man. I tend to imagine Turner is also doing a bit of a self portrait here...

[oliverkent]

My favourite English painter. The picture is evocative with the fighting Temeraire humbled. To me this is a funeral procession, the sun setting on a faithful English servant. I like the Nelson reference. I have just bought a canvas print of this and there are things I have not seen which the lecturer brought to light. Thanks

[Aldoborzoni]

One of my favorite paintings since I was a child. I'm 70 now and iI still find it very moving.

[thomask]

I went with a curator many years ago, he was just as passionate about drawings and paintings as this fellow. Brings back memories.

[NowOnline]

SkyFall brought me here. I'm on a bit of a James Bond binge and a scene with this painting caught my eye and I had to learn more about it. :)

[chrisecker]

Here we meet in a passion for art and Turner. Thanks for this video.

[a-g]

I’ve wanted to make a drink for a while but I couldn’t pause this. Enthusiasm for a fantastic painting.

[thehighstreet]

I stuck with him.hes bloody good and highly likable . top hats off to this guy.brilliant passion.

[Gar]

I’m not sure who this man is, but I hope the National Gallery is paying him well; he is incredible!

[dutchmilk]

JMW Turner. I grew up inspired by his work. People tend to focus on his vibrant colors but it is his later work and life that is brilliantly interesting. Senior Turner was by most accounts, a stingy, private old man with somewhat an acquired bitterness in him. Yet his later work was increasingly fierce and positive. His work literally shines. Unlike many successful artists who became dull and negative in their later life, Turner somehow rebel against his aging through his works.

[antonyross]

I went to see a Turner exhibition in Birmingham his oil paintings are amazing.His canvas rain steam and speed is wonderful

[IcelanderUSer]

This is one of my favorite paintings of all time. Love this so much. A grand old sail ship from the navy being scuttled by a age, and by the coming steam age. You see the steam ship pulling the old ship to its end. Like us we too get old and scuttled.

[jillswarbrick-banks]

Thank you Matthew, this lecture really has expanded my appreciation for this wonderful painting.

[jamesscott]

A beautiful Turner. And an appropriate frame. Gorgeous.