Joseph Mallord William Turner

The subject of this sketch is a view of the Amphitheatre and a section of the eastern walls of Pompeii from the north. On the left-hand side of the vista is part of a ruined rectangular tower, one of several which punctuated the perimeter of the city walls.1 Visible in the distance is Monte Faito, part of the Lattari mountain range which forms the Sorrentine peninsula. During the period of Turner’s visit in 1819, the Amphitheatre was virtually the only landmark of importance which had been excavated on the eastern side of the site. The artist made a number of studies of the structure, see also folios 17 verso–19 (D15769–D15772).

For further studies and a general discussion of Turner’s visit to Pompeii see the introduction to the sketchbook.