Bingen on the riverbank, near the marina, looking towards the Binger Loch
Standing on the river bank in the late afternoon of 25th August 1817, Turner looks back towards the »Binger Loch«. In the foreground the painting shows a typical boat of that time. On the right bank we see the town of Rüdesheim, its buildings reflected in the river. On the left bank we can just make out Bingen, at the foot of the Rochusberg. Castle Ehrenfels is only hinted at. In the far distance we can vaguely perceive the »Mäuseturm«, which was originally built on a small island in the Rhine as a customs tower. In Turner’s painting, the inky black, threatening clouds over the narrow straits at the »Binger Loch« suggest the dangerous nature of the navigation channel. In the foreground, however, boats with motionless sails and pennants float serenely on calm waters. From Bingen Turner continued his journey to Mainz by boat. The »Mäuseturm« is only open to the public on selected dates.
Watercolour, 1817
Medium: watercolour and gouache with scratching out on grey-washed paper
Dimensions: 203 x 330 mm
Collection: National Museum of Wales
Reference: Wilton 639
The extensive Hafenpark and the Hindenburg gardens stretch along the Rhine riverbank to the mouth of the River Nahe.
Address: Hafenpark Bingen
Site: Turner’s painting site is not yet marked
Public Transport: »Bingen (Rhein) Stadt« railway station: approx. 10 min. walk
By bike: slight detour from the Rheinradweg cycle route: approx. 2 min.
Parking: Parking available near the ferry landing stage