Joseph Mallord William Turner

This design, made with the sketchbook inverted, is a variation on the composition study made on folio 88 verso (D17665). Ian Warrell has identified the source of this composition as Claude Lorrain’s (circa 1604/5–82) Landscape with the Port of Santa Marinella, circa 1639–40 (Petit Palais), and has shown it to be the basis for a composition across two connected oil sketches, Italian Landscape with Tower, Trees and Figures (Tate N02992)1 and Overlooking the Coast, with Classical Buildings (Tate N02991)2 (see folio 88 verso; D17665 for more information).3 In this version the same elements are present but seen from a little further away. The focal point is a towered building near the centre of the picture, seen between trees with a curved bay beyond and buildings to the left. In the foreground standing near architectural ruins are several figures.