The rising sun catches the towers of Durham Cathedral, seen from the north across the River Wear. Turner uses delicate tones and precise brushwork to depict the morning light on the ancient stone. Broad areas of colour suggest the town buildings and trees warmed by the growing sun. Turner first visited Durham in 1797 and spent about three days making detailed drawings of the architecture and landscape. In this watercolour, painted four years later, his focus is on capturing the atmosphere of a moment in time.