A Storm - Prospero, Miranda and Caliban Spy 1778

Thomas Jones painted "A Storm," sometime in the late 1700s, likely using traditional oil paints on canvas. The artist's command of the material allows him to conjure a tempestuous scene straight from Shakespeare’s "The Tempest." It's not just about representation, though. Notice how Jones uses thin washes of paint to build up the atmospheric perspective, giving a real sense of depth and foreboding. This isn't a smooth, polished surface; you can see the brushstrokes, the hand of the artist. The drama of the scene is echoed in the very application of the paint, lending an authenticity to the moment. The painting reminds us that even the most refined art forms are rooted in physical processes, in the sweat and skill of the artist. Ultimately, "A Storm" asks us to consider the labor and intentionality behind the artwork. It blurs the lines between the dramatic narrative and the material act of creation.