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

With the page turned vertically, Turner has quickly sketched the heads of two figures framed by tall vertical marks which Finberg identified as ‘masts beyond’,1 but the central figure appears to be shown grasping one, which may be oars tossed to the vertical, suggesting a rowing party arriving or departing; compare folios 20 verso–21 recto and 47 verso (D18027–D18028, D18080). The feature to the left is rather indeterminate, but it is possibly part of the oarsmen’s boat or its equipment. For more on studies in this sketchbook relating to the regatta events at Cowes from late July 1827 onwards, see the sketchbook Introduction.