A Storm Passing Off on the Coast of Merionethshire Anthony Vandyke Copley Fielding (1787-1855)

The canvas presents a dramatic coastal scene dominated by a tumultuous sky and imposing mountainous terrain. Here we observe a receding storm, its dark clouds parting to reveal a brilliant shaft of light illuminating distant peaks. The composition is structured around this interplay of darkness and illumination, creating a palpable sense of movement and transition.
In the foreground, several sailing vessels are depicted struggling against the remnants of the storm. Their sails are billowing, suggesting considerable wind force, while their positions indicate an attempt to navigate away from the receding tempest. A small group of figures is visible near the shoreline, seemingly observing the scene with a mixture of awe and apprehension. Further along the coast, a herd of cattle grazes peacefully on a stretch of land, oblivious to the recent meteorological drama.
The artist has employed a distinct atmospheric perspective; the distant mountains appear paler and less detailed than those closer to the viewer, enhancing the sense of vastness and depth. The use of chiaroscuro – the stark contrast between light and dark – is particularly effective in conveying the power of nature and its impact on human activity.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of humanitys relationship with the natural world. The small scale of the figures and vessels compared to the grandeur of the landscape underscores a sense of vulnerability and insignificance in the face of elemental forces. The receding storm can be interpreted as symbolic of change, transition, or even divine intervention – a moment where chaos gives way to clarity. The presence of both domestic animals (cattle) and human activity (the ships and figures) suggests an attempt at co-existence with a powerful and unpredictable environment. Ultimately, the work evokes a feeling of sublime awe, prompting reflection on the forces that shape our world and our place within it.