These sheets are two of four preparatory studies for a of the bridge over the River Isère at Grenoble (now in Baltimore, America). Turner had visited Grenoble in 1802 on his first visit to the Continent and utilised sketches he had made on that journey for this subject. In the group of colour studies Turner's working practice can be followed stage by stage towards the finished work. Cat.no.33 represents the most basic stage of the view, with its broad areas of colour, while in cat.no.34, the details and forms of the design are more readily discernible.
Gallery label, August 2004
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