The Maidenhead Viaduct
The bridge is the Maidenhead Viaduct across the Thames, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. We look east, towards London.
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Rain, Steam and Speed – The Great Western Railway
J. M. W. Turner · 1844
painting · Impressionism
Look closer
Select a detail to locate it.
A steam train rushes towards the viewer through the rain, across the Maidenhead Viaduct over the Thames, which Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed. We look east, towards London. Turner was interested in modern technology and in travel by train, and he sets the old countryside against the new railway.
Details
Find the train first, then look for what Turner puts beside it. A small boat floats on the river at lower left. A hare runs along the track ahead of the train, and it may stand for speed.
In its time
1844
Books from this period
Where it hangs
National Gallery
In context
A hare ahead of the engine
A hare runs along the track ahead of the train. It may stand for speed.
The old and the new
Turner sets the old countryside against the new railway. A small boat floats on the river at lower left.
A painter of his own time
Turner was interested in modern technology and in travel by train.
On these book covers
Book covers use a cropped detail.