High Street, Edinburgh c. 1818

Joseph Mallord William Turner captured Edinburgh’s High Street using watercolor, a medium that lends itself to the atmospheric qualities of the city. Turner, working in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, lived during a time of significant social and political change, including the rise of industrialization and urbanization, which shaped his artistic vision. Here, the bustling street is filled with vendors and shoppers, a scene of everyday life. What’s interesting, though, is how Turner positions us, the viewers. We’re not quite in the crowd, but observing it, perhaps from a position of privilege. The inclusion of soldiers reminds us of the ever-present military presence and colonial power dynamics during that era. Turner often explored themes of nature and the sublime, but in this work, he turns his attention to the urban landscape, capturing the energy and diversity of Edinburgh. The architecture looms, yet it is the people who truly animate the scene. It’s a snapshot of a society in motion, a testament to the lived experiences of its inhabitants.