Lausanne From The West 1816

"Lausanne From The West" is a watercolor painting by J.M.W. Turner, completed in 1816. The work depicts the Swiss city of Lausanne from a distance, with the city's iconic cathedral standing tall in the background. Turner's use of light and color creates a hazy, atmospheric effect, giving the painting a sense of romanticism, which was very prominent in the early 19th century. The composition also includes a winding path in the foreground, leading the viewer's eye towards the distant city, echoing the romantic concept of the sublime, where nature's grandeur inspires awe and wonder. This painting showcases Turner's early mastery of watercolor and his inclination towards atmospheric landscapes, which would define his later career.