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

The main view is inverted relative to the sketchbook’s foliation, and continues across folio 74 recto opposite (D20711; Turner Bequest CCXXVI 71). The viewpoint is the mouth of the River Medina off Cowes Castle (see under folio 72 verso; D20708; Turner Bequest CCXXVI 69a), seen to the east on the right, and the panoramic prospect runs south-west along the shore at Cowes here before extending south-eastwards across to East Cowes on the other page. There are figures in rowing boats here, and a moored sailing boat with bunting. Compare the setting of the painting East Cowes Castle, the Seat of J. Nash, Esq.; the Regatta Starting for their Moorings, exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1828 (Victoria and Albert Museum, London).1

At the top centre is a small study of a cluster of rowing boats moored off the shore, and at the top left a quick sketch of a yacht under way, with a note of colours beside it. For more on studies in this sketchbook relating to the regatta events at Cowes from late July 1827 onwards, see the Introduction.