Franz Kobell came from an extensive family of artists. He painted little, but was a manic draughtsman. His speciality was pen and brush drawing; he was not yet familiar with the pencil. The view was certainly taken on location during Kobell's trip to Italy, which he embarked on in 1779. The drawing shows an unconventional section with buildings in strong foresight. The focus is on the embankment, an unusual subject, and its almost expressionist composition. A preparatory drawing is practically unrecognizable – it appears as if Kobell had inked the drawing directly onto the paper with a brush.