USA

J. M. W. Turner

Rising from a modest background, Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775–1851) became the leading British artist of his era. Over the course of six decades, he transformed the genre of landscape through works that proclaimed him heir to the old masters even while they heralded a new and visionary direction in 19th century painting. Known for his technical brilliance and startling use of light and colour, he incorporated learned references to literature, mythology, and historical events in his exquisitely rendered works that have inspired generations of artists.