Snow Storm: Hannibal and his Army Crossing the Alps

Snow Storm: Hannibal and his Army Crossing the Alps is an oil on canvas painting by J. M. W. Turner, first exhibited in 1812.

The painting depicts the struggle of Hannibal's soldiers to cross the Maritime Alps in 218 BC, opposed by the forces of nature and local tribes.

Another spur to make the painting could have been the visit of a delegation from the Tyrol to London in 1809, seeking support to oppose Napoleon.

then Plunder seiz'd The victor and the captive, – Saguntum's spoil, Alike, became their prey; still the chief advanc'd, Look'd on the sun with hope; – low, broad, and wan; While the fierce archer of the downward year Stains Italy's blanch'd barrier with storms.

Turner insisted that the painting should be hung low on the wall at the exhibition to ensure it would be viewed from the correct angle.