Works on paper
Watercolour on paper, 22.2 x 32.3cm
This is one of a number of the limpid aquatic views of Venice from the so-called 'Roll Sketchbook' of 1840. These works perfectly reveal Turner's great skill in old age as a watercolourist. Painted wet-on-wet, with paint removed by using a sponge and scratching, the final surface marks are quickly applied red penstrokes.