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

These two loosely defined studies of the Rhône valley were executed during Turner’s two-day boat journey from Lyon to Avignon. Extremely slight in appearance, the upper view depicts the valley slopes bordered with zigzagging foliage. The sketch beneath is marginally more detailed, and features a tower perched on a hill. The cursory appearance of both studies suggests the speed at which Turner worked, exploiting the sketching opportunities afforded by a boat in motion. The views are difficult to locate with precision, although they possibly depict the stretch of river between Vienne and Andance, given the position of this work in the sketchbook’s chronology.