Rising Squall Definition
This is a view of a rocky inlet seen from the shore with
waves crashing into an overhanging rock on the right.
On the left two boats are heeled over towards the right with pennants
extended in the wind. In the lower right corner a group of figures
appear to be preparing to give assistance. Clouds and spray are
billowing in the breeze but there is a not insignificant patch
of blue sky suggesting that a storm may be approaching but is not yet
overhead.
Notes on this page attempt to define what was meant by 'a rising squall' in 1793 and to determine whether the candidate picture 'fits that description'.
OCD provides a 1719 definition of 'squall':
'A sudden and violent gust, a blast or short sharp storm, of
wind.'
'Rising' has a 1603 definition and a 1667 entry, amongst others, both
of which are relevant in this context:
1603, 'Increasing in degree, force, or intensity'; 1667, 'Coming
into existence; developing, growing'.
The dictionary definitions seem to match the conditions portrayed in the picture and on that basis it seems reasonable that in 1793 an artist should call it 'A Rising Squall'
Most art works are not named in isolation. Many ideas were (and still are) shared between artists and there are often references to earlier work. Some examples of 'Rising Squalls' in earlier works have therefore been sought to compare with the weather conditions in the candidate picture. Particular attention is drawn to work that Turner may have encountered before 1793, De Loutherbourg, van de Velde and Richard Wilson are frequently mentioned anecdotally.