The cascading waters thunder over the rocks in the immediate foreground. One can almost hear the roar and feel the spray forced in the air. White highlights add sparkle. A vivid array of colours applied over an under wash of grey conveys the majestic character of the luminous sky, mountainous terrain and broad river valley. The tower in the middle distance provides an architectural landmark useful as a reference point when comparing Turner's other studies of the Rhine Falls. Closely linked to the other two views in the Scottish National Gallery's collection, it was probably made at around the same time in 1841.