Bingen, on the Nahe; Looking towards Bingen and Burg Klopp
On the evening of 25th August 1817, before reaching the landing stages on the Rhine from where he is to continue his journey by boat, Turner stops to sketch at the bridge over the River Nahe. The final watercolour shows parts of the town of Bingen watched over by Castle Klopp, with Castle Ehrenfels in the distance. The Drusus Bridge is depicted in the foreground and behind it, not far away, the Nahe flows into the Rhine. In this painting Turner produces a successful contrast effect of light and shadow with the billowing thunderclouds, which gives the picture a dramatic touch. From a compositional point of view this work displays a certain similarity to Turner’s Koblenz paintings of the bridge over the Moselle. Nowadays the location itself is no longer accessible. The view towards the Rheingau can be enjoyed from the Drusus Bridge.
Watercolour, 1817
Medium: watercolour on grey-washed paper
Dimensions: 195 x 316 mm
Collection: The British Museum
Reference: TW0413; Wilton 682
Hiking: The Ausonius long-distance hiking trail to Trier starts at Bingen.
In the summer months you can climb the keep of Klopp Castle from where you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Bingen and Rüdesheim.
Address: Drusus Bridge, Bingen
Site: Turner’s painting site is not yet marked
Public Transport: »Bingen (Rhein) Hbf« main railway station: approx. 15 min. walk
By bike: slight detour from the Rheinradweg cycle route: approx. 10 min.
Parking: »Naheparkplatz« car park approx. 10 min walk away