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

Preceded in the sketchbook by views of North Queensferry (folio 4 verso–5; D13456–D13457), it is likely that it was at this busy port on the north bank of the Forth, or its southern bank sister, South Queensferry, that Turner saw and rapidly sketched this three-masted vessel. Although a digression from the commissioned subjects of this tour of Scotland (see Tour of Scotland 1818 Tour Introduction), Turner took several opportunities to indulge his interest in boats and shipping, sketching vessels of various sizes at anchor and under sail. Two examples are on the following page (folio 6; D13459).