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

This leaf has been used to record an array of figure studies, each annotated with notes describing the colour and styles of dress. The drawings and notes were produced with the sketchbook turned upside down. Of the few legible words inscribed amongst these swiftly dashed-off annotations, colours like ‘Black’, ‘Blue’ and ‘White’ can be made out, as well as the note ‘Blue Cap’ and ‘[...] Carrying Milk’ next to a sketch of a figure carrying a shoulder yoke. At top left Turner has drawn a woman wearing a traditional Dutch bonnet with triangular folds at the sides. This hat may indicate that Turner’s location is somewhere in Flanders. There is also a man on horse back, carrying bundles at either side of his saddle. Another horse follows behind him, with a cargo of what appear to be pots and jugs. A further man on horseback is recorded at centre, wearing boots and a tall hat.