Joseph Mallord William Turner

There are two unconnected sketches on this page. The first, made with the sketchbook inverted, is more an exercise in tone and effect than a visual record of a subject, and seems likely to be a composition study rather than an on-the-spot sketch. Three sketches earlier in the book have been identified as composition studies (folios 57–58; D25631–D25633) and this may also be related. Its vertical composition and undefined edges suggest a vignette study, and the subject of a sun shrouded by clouds or smoke recalls works such as A Tempest – Voyage of Columbus circa 1831–2 (watercolour; Tate D27719; Turner Bequest CLXXX 202).

The other sketch on the page, however, this time made with the book turned to the left, does have the appearance of an on-the-spot sketch from the 1831 tour. The subject may be part of Barnard Castle (see folio 55 verso; D25628), or some other castle on a hill or mound.