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

This is one of a sequence of closely related drawings on the versos of four successive leaves (folios 8–11 verso; D07369, this page, D07373, D07375), though it is difficult to establish any significant narrative. Given that they were drawn with the book turned upside down relative to the main sequence of notes and drawings on its rectos, it seems likely that the drawing on folio 11 verso was made first, and that on folio 8 verso last. There appear to be men, women and children present, and trees are visible across the water in most of the sketches. The scene may have been observed near the house Turner was at this time renting by the Thames at Hammersmith (see also folio 6 recto; D07365).