This painting was never exhibited in Turner's lifetime; its current popularity has developed since Turner's death. It has been seen as anticipating modern, abstract painting, by transcending its time and subject matter in a shimmer of light. In fact, not only was it never shown in public during Turner's life, but he may have considered it unfinished. Far from being a direct and instinctive response to its subject, it was an imaginary transformation of past experience and recollection. Turner had first painted Norham Castle in 1797, and he continued to be drawn to it as a subject throughout his life.