How did J.M.W. Turner use natural forces in Snowstorm: Hannibal Crossing the Alps?

In his 1812 painting Snowstorm: Hannibal Crossing the Alps, J.M.W. Turner utilized the raw power of natural forces to heighten the drama of the historical event depicted.1

Rather than focusing solely on the figures, Turner employed the environment as a central narrative element, using the overwhelming intensity of the storm to emphasize the struggle and vulnerability of those crossing the mountain pass. This approach reflects his broader artistic development during this period, where his work became increasingly luminous and atmospheric, often diffusing topographical details behind layers of color and light to prioritize the emotional and dramatic impact of the scene.1

By harnessing these elemental forces, Turner transformed a historical subject into a powerful expression of nature's dominance, a theme he would continue to explore throughout his career in works that highlight the helplessness of humanity when confronted by the vast, uncontrollable power of the natural world.231