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

As Finberg first identified, the sequence of sketches on folios 3 verso–12 (D15913–D15919 and D15922–D15930) represents detailed panoramic views of Naples drawn from the sea, perhaps dating from the outward or return trip to Paestum and the Amalfi coast which Turner undertook during his sojourn in the city.1 This study depicts a view from the south-east looking towards the headland of Castel dell’Ovo with the Pizzofalcone Hill directly beyond. The artist has even briefly indicated the zig-zag of the Rampe Pizzofalcone, a small street which ascends the hill from Via Chiatamone to just beneath the military barracks of the Gran Quartiere di Pizzofalcone (present-day Caserma Nino Bixio). The composition continues on the opposite sheet of the double-page spread, see folio 10 (D15926).

In the top left-hand corner of the page there is a separate schematic drawing of figures. The subject is unidentified although it may represent a copy of a painting or relief sculpture.