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

The most prominent sketches on this page, used horizontally both ways, are careful studies of river-going cargo boats. One has an elaborate cabin, carefully recorded and marked with its colour. There are cursory indications of rigging at the prows, although it is unclear whether the separate study of sails below to the right relates directly to the same vessels, presumably observed on the River Rhine in Germany or one of its Dutch distributaries.

As set out in its Introduction, this sketchbook covers Turner’s homeward route from Augsburg north-westwards to Rotterdam (see under folios 1 verso and 14 recto respectively; D32543, D32568; CCCXXII 2a, 15). Travelling back down the familiar river, he worked in somewhat randomly from both ends, interspersing identifiable subjects with less distinctive renderings of towns, castles and the landscape, and occasional studies such as this.

The other way up towards the gutter is a profile of the extensive Ehrenbreitstein fortress high on the east bank of the Rhine opposite Coblenz (Koblenz); for the city, see under folio 22 verso (D32585; CCCXXII 23a). The detail at the top left is a continuation of the southern end of the complex, and there are similarly slight outlines on the verso (D32639). See also the waterfront view on folio 53 recto (D32643; CCCXXII 54), and a more detailed two-part study from this direction on folios 53 verso and 54 recto (D32644–D32645; CCCXXII 54a–55). For Turner’s many other depictions, see under another page of profiles, folio 25 recto (D32590; CCCXXII 26).