The Harbor of Dieppe c. 1826

Editor: So here we have Turner’s *The Harbor of Dieppe*, dating back to about 1826. It's an oil painting that gives me this overwhelming feeling of bustling energy, almost a hazy, golden light reflecting off the water. There’s so much activity; it feels alive. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Alive indeed! It feels like a memory doesn't it, more than a painting, Turner wasn’t just capturing the scene, he was after its *essence*, a kind of fleeting beauty. It makes me think, what stories do you imagine the sailors telling? Are they excited to come back? Look closely. Notice how Turner blurs the line between the sea, sky, and the harbor itself? Editor: Absolutely! The way the sunlight sort of dissolves everything. The figures are less detailed. It's very dreamy. Was Turner trying to convey something about the industrialism in that time period or perhaps his feeling on journeys or longing? Curator: Possibly. Perhaps the sun reminds me more of looking into a very hot summer, a lazy memory. What did Turner feel on the crossing? Maybe we have those feeling imparted to canvas. What about that intense light almost swallowing the details of the city? Editor: I see what you mean, now that you mention it. It is about capturing an overall experience. I didn't think about the artist's memory or own feelings. Curator: That’s Turner! And isn't that exciting? We feel more when we question! Editor: Thanks, I now know what to explore more!