Peat Bog, Scotland (Liber Studiorum, part IX, plate 45) 1812

This etching, Peat Bog, Scotland, was crafted by Joseph Mallord William Turner as part of his ‘Liber Studiorum’ in the early 19th century. Observe the dramatic sky, with a rainbow-like formation dominating the upper part of the image. This arch, a bridge between earth and sky, is not merely a meteorological phenomenon. We see echoes of the rainbow as Iris, the messenger of the Gods in ancient Greek art, or as a symbol of divine promise and covenant, as it appears in biblical narratives. Yet, here, the rainbow seems almost ominous. Reflect on how such symbols resonate deeply within our collective memory. Turner’s masterful use of light and shadow evokes a primeval atmosphere, where the sublime beauty of nature clashes with a sense of foreboding. This tension engages viewers on a subconscious level, reminding us of the cyclical nature of symbols, constantly resurfacing and adapting across the currents of time.