This painting is titled “Thunderstorm with the Death of Amelia” done by William Williams in 1784. Williams’s inspiration for this painting is James Johnson’s “Summer” poem from his collection called The Seasons. The painting represents Caledon losing his lover in a thunderstorm. Just at first glance, the terror is prevalent within the darkness of the storm. This painting incorporates many themes of the sublime that Edmund Burke emphasizes such as terror and ominous vibes. The overall aesthetic of the painting is very obscure and projects a great sense of energy radiating from the storm. Although, in the distance, you can see a very beautiful, calm-looking town, which is very opposite from where Caledon and his dead lover are standing. However, there are many aspects in this painting that represent common elements of the sublime, such as fast running water, ominous dark clouds, smoke, and even death. The peice embodies the essence of storms and what attracts individuals to them.
Keywords: Sublime, death, storm, terror, landscape.