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

With the page turned horizontally, the view is to the west from Dover Harbour, with the distinctive profile of Shakespeare Cliff overlooking the English Channel on the left, as identified by Finberg.1 Various later developments make comparisons difficult in other respects, but the viewpoint is south-west of the harbour entrance, and the elevated wall above the houses along the beach appears to be part of Archcliffe Fort. There is a slighter reprise at the top (outer) edge. See also folios 254 verso, 255 recto and 267 verso (D18842, D19345–D19346, D19371) a view from further off on folio 262 recto (D19360), and the contemporary Holland, Meuse and Cologne sketchbook (Tate D19405, D19408; Turner Bequest CCXV 3, 4a).

Compare a pencil sketch (Tate D34161; Turner Bequest CCCXLI 427v) showing Shakespeare Cliff from a similar angle, apparently made around 1844 when the twin tunnels of the Dover to Folkestone railway first emerged at its base. For Turner’s many other Dover views in this sketchbook and elsewhere, see under folio 2 recto opposite (D18843), a view back to the town from the defences of the Western Heights.