When travelling back from Venice in 1840, Turner made sketches at Passau and Burg Ilz in a 'roll' sketchbook which was slightly smaller than those he generally carried with him. As well as the seven topographical views, the book contained three sky studies. In this subject, the expanse of water could represent the River Danube, but it is perhaps more probable that this was an effect he saw while crossing the Channel at the end of the tour.
Gallery label, August 2004
Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? We would like to hear from you.