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Preview image of work. black and white chalk on grey paper, Capri from Massa 30082

2016.7.1

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Capri from Massa

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Artist

Edward Lear (London, United Kingdom, 1812 - 1888, San Remo, Italy)

Title

Capri from Massa

Creation Date

1840

Century

mid-19th century

Dimensions

9 11/16 x 16 1/4 in. (24.61 x 41.28 cm)

Object Type

drawing

Creation Place

Europe, United Kingdom

Medium and Support

black and white chalk on grey paper

Credit Line

Gift of George and Elaine Keyes

Copyright

Public Domain

Accession Number

2016.7.1

While he is best remembered as the self-described “Laureate of Nonsense” for publishing “A Book of Nonsense” and successive volumes starting in 1846, Lear first established himself as a topographical artist. His journey to Rome in 1837 was the beginning of an adult life spent mostly abroad, exploring and capturing landscapes from Italy to India. A diary entry from May 12, 1862, reads: “The Elements--trees, clouds, & c--silence . . . seem to have far more part with me or I with them, than mankind.” Lear typically traveled to and sketched beautiful scenery in graphite drawings that he annotated with references to the exact location, date, and color descriptions. After returning to his studio, he then created finished drawings and watercolors, which he framed and sold to visitors or through exhibitions. Lear’s topographical renderings were widely distributed in seven books that the artist dedicated to the description of his travels.