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

Across the centre of the page are a few lines that may represent the outline of a hill, or perhaps the course of a river. There is a similar sketch on folio 89 verso (D26091; CCLXVII 91a). Beneath this is a faint sketch of a shield or coat of arms, perhaps sketched by Turner at Dryburgh D25972; CCLXVII 25). Alternatively, it could be a sketch of an item in the possession of Sir Walter Scott, as the poet collected memorabilia of Scottish history (see folios 65 verso–66 verso; D26043–D26045; CCLXVII 67a–68a). Finally, there is an inscription by Turner at the top right of the page, written with the sketchbook turned to the left, although this has not been deciphered.