William Turner – Arundel Castle, with Rainbow Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851)

The composition presents a vista dominated by atmospheric effects and a sense of expansive space. Here we observe a body of water, likely a river or estuary, reflecting a turbulent sky filled with diffused light. The surface is disturbed, suggesting recent rainfall or ongoing weather activity. Several small boats are present on the water; in some, figures can be discerned, engaged in what appears to be fishing or tending to nets.
To the left, a windmill rises from an earthen mound, its sails still and seemingly inactive due to the prevailing winds. The structure is rendered with loose brushstrokes, contributing to the overall impression of movement and instability. A group of figures are clustered near the base of the mill, their forms indistinct but suggesting a sense of domesticity or routine activity.
In the middle ground, the water leads the eye towards a substantial stone edifice perched atop a rocky elevation. The architecture suggests a fortified structure – a castle or similar defensive building – its details softened by distance and atmospheric haze. It is positioned centrally within the composition, acting as a focal point despite its muted coloration.
A prominent rainbow arcs across the sky, originating from behind the castle and extending towards the left side of the canvas. The arc’s vibrant colors are rendered with a delicate touch, contrasting with the more subdued tones of the surrounding atmosphere. This element introduces a symbolic layer to the scene; it can be interpreted as representing hope, promise, or divine intervention following a period of adversity.
The artist employed a technique characterized by loose brushwork and a limited palette dominated by earth tones – ochres, browns, grays, and muted greens – to convey the effects of light and atmosphere. The lack of sharp definition and precise detail contributes to an overall feeling of transience and emotional intensity.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of human interaction with nature and the passage of time. The presence of both man-made structures (the windmill and castle) and natural phenomena (the water, sky, rainbow) suggests a complex relationship between civilization and the environment. The figures engaged in their daily tasks appear small and insignificant against the backdrop of the vast landscape, hinting at humanity’s place within a larger cosmic order. The overall mood is one of quiet contemplation, tinged with a sense of melancholy and awe.