Edward Lear

Anonymous sale, Phillips London, 10 May 1993, lot 16

The medium has remained strong and fresh. The paper has discoloured slightly as a result of exposure to light. At the extreme edges of the sheet there is a thin band where the paper has been protected by a mount. The paper discolouration can only be seen when examining the entire sheet. The work has not been laid down. For further information regarding this lot please contact Mark Griffith-Jones (0207 293 5083) or Emmeline Hallmark (0207 293 5407) mark.griffithjones@sothebys.com emmeline.hallmark@sothebys.com
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Lear's journey to Italy in 1837 was sponsored by his close friends Edward Smith Stanley, 13^th Earl of Derby (1775-1851) and Robert Hornby, who were both concerned for Lear's health and eager for him to visit Rome. Lear had travelled to the Continent with John Gould a few years before, but this was his first major trip alone and he was delighted by 'the hurly burly of beauty and wonder which he encountered on his arrival in the city. Lear was to return each year for ten years in order to spend the winters in Rome and the spring and summer in the surrounding campagna. The present drawing dates from 1839, a time when Lear rented rooms close to the Borghese gardens. The gardens were originally laid out in 1605 by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V. By the nineteenth century much of their original form had been redesigned as a landscape garden in the English style.  

This monochrome drawing, heightened with white, and other similar drawings Lear made of Rome and the campagna were directly inspired by the admired drawings of Richard Wilson from a generation before (see following lot).