This work is an engraving of a drawing by J.M.W. Turner entitled Fowey, Cornwall (Entrance of Fowey Harbour, Cornwall). It comes from the portfolio Cooke’s Picturesque Views on the Southern Coast of England, published in parts between 1814-1826. This engraving depicts a romantic view of Fowey, with several ships entering the harbour while stormy waves break over the rocks in the foreground.

The engraver of this picture was William Bernard Cooke, an accomplished engraver, print seller and publisher. It was he who initiated the business venture of creating a portfolio of engravings depicting scenes on the southern coast of England. He commissioned Turner to create a series of drawings which he and his brother George Cooke then made into engravings. Unfortunately Cooke and Turner fell out over the remuneration Turner was to receive for his drawings and all connection between the pair was broken off.

Engravings of holiday destinations became increasingly popular during the 19th century due to the advent of the railways. They portrayed sentimentalised views of seaside towns and rural landscapes to complement a new desire for travel for leisure. Engravings were a popular form of art as they could be mass-produced and were affordable. They would eventually be superseded by the photograph when the popularity of engravings declined.