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

With the page turned horizontally both ways, two variant views to the west show the distinctive profile of Shakespeare Cliff overlooking the English Channel, likely from the beach south-west of the harbour entrance. The lower (inner) sketch extends to include the defences on the Western Heights. Compare the more detailed drawing in the contemporary Holland, Meuse and Cologne sketchbook (Tate D19408; Turner Bequest CCXV 4a), and see under folio 1 verso (D18842) for others in the present book and elsewhere. There are views from the top of the cliff on folios 266 recto and verso and the recto (D19368–D19370).

This is among nearly forty consecutive pages towards the end of this sketchbook devoted to aspects of Dover and its castle (folios 253 verso–272 verso; D19343–D19381). For Turner’s many other views there, see under folio 2 recto (D18843).