Footpath just outside Kaub (in the direction of Bingen), View of the Pfalz
This view of the »Pfalz at Kaub« didn’t present itself to Turner until he was on his return journey from Mainz to Cologne on 27th August 1817. From on board ship he sketched the former toll castle on its small island in the river with Castle Gutenfels on the hill to the right. The numerous drawings that Turner made on his journey, including those completed whilst walking, document his fascination with this extraordinary building. In this work he combines several pencil drawings to form a pleasing overall composition. This is one of the few castles in the Middle Rhine Valley that was not destroyed by Napoleon’s troops. Today Pfalzgrafenstein Castle is owned by the Federal State of Rhineland-Palatinate and is open to the public.
Watercolour, 1817
Medium: watercolour and gouache on grey-washed paper
Dimensions: 190 x 305 mm
Collection: privately owned
Reference: Witon 643
Hiking: The Rheinsteig hiking trail is approx. 2 min. away.
Like a giant stone ship, Pfalz Grafenstein Castle sits on a small island in the Rhine. You can take a ferry from Kaub and visit the castle.
Address: Rheinradweg cycle route near the railway station
Site: The Turner plaque is located in a small bay on the Rheinradweg cycle route near the railway station
Public Transport: Kaub railway station: approx. 1 min. walk
By bike: Rheinradweg cycle route – no detour necessary
Parking: paid parking available on the opposite side of the road