Joseph Mallord William Turner

Swiftly wrought, this sketch depicts Trier from the heights around Pallien. The Moselle is pictured in the foreground, and within the river a sprouting of grassy islets. The Abbey of St Martin can be seen on the banks of the river, the building’s name inscribed by Turner above it. Beyond, the profile of Trier has been summarily sketched, the city nestled among low sandstone hills. There are further inscriptions at top right which are largely illegible.

Other views taken from the Pallien hillsides in this sketchbook include Tate D28246, D28255, D28257–D28260; Turner Bequest CCLXXXVIII 43a, 49a, 50a–52. See also the Trèves and Rhine sketchbook of 1824 (Tate D20150; Turner Bequest CCXVIII 12).