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

This is the first of five consecutive pages in the present sketchbook depicting the city of Viterbo: see also folios 40 verso–42 recto (D21835–D21838). Dominating the left half of the page, inverted relative to the sketchbook’s foliation, is a study of the Porta Romana, so called because it lies on the road to Rome.1 Built in 1649, it is richly decorated and surmounted with a statue of Saint Rosa, the patron saint of the city, together with the coat of arms of Pope Clement XI and Pope Innocent X.2 Turner’s viewpoint is looking northwards through the gate towards the heart of the city.

To the right of the page, as identified by Cecilia Powell, is a separate view of Rongiclione, a city to the south of Viterbo.3 In the foreground is the Romanesque belltower of the Church of Santa Maria della Provvidenza. Turner’s north-facing viewpoint also includes the partially obscured domed structure of the Cathedral of Santi Pietro e Caterina in the distance. For a full list of Turner’s studies of Ronciglione in the present sketchbook, see under folio 8 recto (D21779).