Dateable to about 1794-5, this drawing is probably a copy after an original study by John Roberts Cozens, executed while Turner was studying with Thomas Girtin at Dr. Monro's academy. Cozens was under Monro's care for twelve years during which time he painted watercolours which derived almost exclusively from sketches made during his time in Switzerland and Italy. Turner was not able to visit Italy himself until 1819, after the conclusion of the Napoleonic Wars.
Sestri di Levante was, and is still, a small fishing village perched on the rocky coast south of Genoa.