J.M.W. Turner: Sketchbooks, Drawings and Watercolours

This view of Edinburgh from the north-west (continuing on folio 59 verso; D13685; CLXVII 56a) is taken from such a distance that only the most prominent landmarks can be made out. Most obvious is Arthur’s Seat, to the left of which can be seen Calton Hill with Nelson’s Monument on top. In front is Edinburgh Castle which sits astride the Castle Rock. The sketch seems to have been made from a hillside which is depicted in the foreground with a single sweeping line, and the rooftops of several houses can be seen just below. There follows a sketch of a very similar view, made as Turner got closer to Edinburgh.