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

Drawn with the sketchbook turned to the left, this rather faint perspective drawing of a row of arches may represent the Cloisters in the Market Square in Appleby, built by John Smirke in 1811. However, there also seems to be a perspective line to the right of the picture pointing towards the same vanishing point. This suggest that this is not a drawing from life at all, but an academic study, in the same vein as the three nude figure studies at the start of this sketchbook (see folio 3 verso; D25529). Turner was the Professor of Perspective at the Royal Academy from 1807 to 1837, although he had not lectured since 1828.