Joseph Mallord William Turner

Along with folio 77 verso (D32414), folios 79 verso–82 verso (D32418–D32424) show various aspects of the Piazzetta, all made with the pages turned horizontally. Here Turner has made the transition to the waters of the Bacino, beginning a brief sequence between here and folio 87 recto (D32433).

Although Finberg limited his description to ‘Vessels’,1 this slight, schematic view shows the readily recognisable prospect north from the Bacino to the Molo waterfront and the twin columns at the entrance to the Piazzetta, flanked by the Zecca (Mint) and Libreria Sansoviniana on the left, with rough indications of the Campanile of San Marco (St Mark’s) beyond; towards the right, with a cursory indication of the domed Basilica beyond, is the south-western corner of the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace).

Folio 83 recto opposite (D32425) may show a continuation to the right, along the Riva degli Schiavoni.