Joseph Mallord William Turner

Finberg suggested that this somewhat chaotic, rapid sketch possibly shows ‘a Banquet at the Mansion House’,1 meaning the neo-classical, so-called Egyptian Hall at the Lord Mayor of London’s official residence,2 but there seems to be no great resemblance, as the looping forms at the top corners suggest arches rather than a colonnade; the circles above the centre presumably indicate chandeliers. The large object on the right resembles a pulpit, and the setting may be a London church or other grand interior. See also folios 5 recto and 7 recto (D17998, D18002).