J.M.W. Turner — The Sunshine Boy

The Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons, 16th October, 1834, 1835
oil on canvas
When flames destroyed the old houses of parliament, Turner rushed to join the crowds watching the fire, then hired a boat so he could get a closer look. It was for him the perfect spectacle, an immaterial substance, fire, being reflected in water.

• Turner Show at the National Gallery : Review