Behind the Art: Why William Turner’s ‘The Battle of Trafalgar’ continues to mesmerise after two centuries

J.M.W. Turner depicts the scene from the Battle of Trafalgar in this masterpiece which focuses on the naval battle fought between the British and Franco-Spanish fleet off Cape Trafalgar in southwest Spain. The Battle of Trafalgar saw the British Navy, with twenty-seven ships against the Franco-Spanish fleet’s thirty-three, emerge as decisive victors. Admiral Nelson, known for his unconventional tactics, split his fleet into two lines led by his flagship Victory and his subordinate Collingwood, attacking the enemy in perpendicular columns. Tragically, Nelson was shot and fatally wounded during the intense battle. Despite the sorrowful loss of Nelson, the victory at Trafalgar was a key moment for the British. It secured their dominance as a naval power and averted Napoleon’s plans to conquer England. The battle holds immense significance in British history so much so that in the aftermath, a public demand was for a government-commissioned artwork commemorating the battle. Turner’s painting of The Battle of Trafalgar defies traditional definitions of history painting, which typically depict scenes from ancient history, religion, or mythology. Recognising the raised status of this genre, Turner chose to portray a contemporary event on a grand scale, weaving together different moments from the battle into one scene to capture its significance. By doing so, he emphasises the importance of the contemporary event and solidifies Britain’s status as an authoritarian maritime power.

The Artist and his approach

One of the reasons why historical paintings hold a deeper meaning for viewers and nations is because the artist uniquely approaches his work. Each artist will paint the same historical event the way he perceives art and the event, thus making it difficult for the viewer to grasp the artwork as an accurate representation of the historical battle that took place long back. The process Turner used to paint this artwork is quite interesting to many critics to this date. Turner’s personal investment in the Battle of Trafalgar is evident in his painting, as he carefully studied the ships, rigging, and uniforms immediately after the battle. His earlier work, “The Battle ofn Trafalgar, as Seen from the Mizen Starboard Shrouds of the Victory,” set the foundation for the final piece. While this earlier depictio aligned with traditional maritime paintings, Turner’s final work moved away from convention and embraced his own unique style. Despite being a commission, Turner chose to incorporate elements of ambiguity, sublime, and his personal artistic touch, emphasising his deep connection to Trafalgar. The painting showcases the symphony of human and natural forces, with strokes of pure paint dissolving space and creating a sense of organised chaos.

Controversies and Debate on Historical Accuracies

Upon its delivery in 1824, Turner’s painting stirred controversy and criticism within court circles. The artwork deviated from a chronological representation of Nelson’s victory. Instead, it offered a powerful depiction that alluded to the sacrifices made for Britain’s triumph at Trafalgar and its ascent as a dominant sea power. Ambassadors, accustomed to more traditional heroic portrayals, reportedly scoffed at it, while seamen, including Sir Thomas Hardy, the captain of HMS Victory, criticised it on technical grounds. Turner himself later lamented the influence of Admiralty officials during the painting’s adjustment period at St James’s. He believed their input tarnished the final result, and he attributed the Duke of Clarence, the King’s naval brother, as the only one providing sensible comments, despite a sharp exchange of words between them at the time. The painting, with its fiery spectacle and ambiguous nature, proved to be an embarrassment within the refined taste of St James’s Palace. Its placement alongside works by George Jones and the favoured portraitist Sir Thomas Lawrence seemed inappropriate, further underscoring the discord. Interestingly, the error that most irked the critics of the painting was the inclusion of Nelson’s signal, “England expects every man to do his duty,” which was famously sent out before the battle began. In the painting, however, the signal is shown later in the battle, when it should have read, “Engage the enemy more closely.” In an attempt to appease his critics, Turner spent eleven days making alterations to the painting, but his efforts proved futile in satisfying or silencing them. As a result, Turner faced penalties, and “The Battle of Trafalgar” was exhibited at the Royal Navy Hospital instead of the intended initially St. James’ Palace. Nearly 200 years later, William Turner’s virtuosity remains undisputed despite the historical inconsistencies, and “The Battle of Trafalgar” is widely acknowledged as a masterpiece.

Next up in Behind the Art: How Eugène Delacroix’s ‘The Massacre at Chios’ Immortalises the Devastating Human Tragedy of Chios

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