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

With the page inverted according to the sketchbook’s foliation, here Turner describes a hulk, as identified by Finberg.1 In light of the topographic focus of this book, it seems likely that he observed the vessel somewhere along the River Medway, possibly at Chatham. The handling is swift but captures confidently the architecture of the vessel. Particular attention seems to have been paid to the bow and rudder, which are addressed at far right with greater application of pressure to the pencil than at other parts of the ship, and shows evidence of several sketched impressions of the shape. Gun ports are indicated along the hull with more precision at right. As Turner moves towards left, these dissolve into brief dashes which indicate position rather than appearance. The stern is neatly described, with the windows of the gallery cleanly marked.