Fonthill Abbey, Wiltshire 

J.M.W. Turner captured Fonthill Abbey in Wiltshire using watercolor, a medium known for its fluidity and transparency. Turner's mastery lies in how he coaxes depth and atmosphere from washes of diluted pigment. Observe how the sepia tones interplay, evoking a sense of nostalgia and romanticism. Watercolor allowed Turner to capture fleeting moments of light and atmosphere, essential to his artistic vision. Unlike the laborious process of oil painting, watercolor enabled a quicker, more spontaneous approach, aligning with the Romantic movement's emphasis on emotion and immediacy. While the subject matter might suggest a commentary on wealth and privilege, Turner's technique democratizes the image. Watercolor, readily available and relatively inexpensive, was a medium accessible to a broader segment of society. Turner blurs the lines between high art and everyday practice. The importance of materiality, process, and context enriches our understanding of the artwork, offering insights into both the artist's technique and the social fabric of his time.