Turner depicts the River Evançon flowing through the centre of Verrès, an ancient town which spans a narrow gorge. He deliberately chose a viewpoint that included all of the local landmarks, from the massive square castle at upper right, to the arched bridge in the foreground. The large white building beyond the town to the left is the convent, the Collegiata di Saint Gilles. Quick, rough brushstrokes suggest the force of the torrent and the changing weather conditions. A nibbed pen and red ink have been used to draw the rooftops of the town and define small architectural details.