Scarborough town and castle; morning; boys catching crabs c. 1810

Joseph Mallord William Turner’s "Scarborough Town and Castle; Morning; Boys Catching Crabs" is a watercolor painting from c. 1810 depicting the coastal town of Scarborough, England, with the castle perched atop a hill. In the foreground, boys are shown catching crabs, while a large ship sails into the harbor. The composition and hazy light are characteristic of Turner's early work, which captured the picturesque beauty of coastal towns and seascapes. The artist's masterful use of watercolor creates a sense of atmospheric depth, reflecting the light and movement of the water, emphasizing the scene’s serene and romantic mood.