Sketches in Italy [recto]

1839/1845

Edward Lear

Associated Names
Edward Lear

Artist, British, 1812 - 1888

This image is a sketch-like drawing with a wide perspective. The horizon is in the middle, separating the land from the sky. Faint horizontal lines show a landscape with trees and a distant mountain or hill. The loose brushstrokes use black and dark gray against a cream background. The drawing features trees, foliage, and figures walking on a path. In the corners, there are additional sketches of figures and a simple landscape with a tree or shrub.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    black chalk and graphite with gray and white washes on light brown wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of William B. O'Neal

  • Dimensions

    overall: 22.3 x 29.3 cm (8 3/4 x 11 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1995.52.100.a

Associated Artworks

The image shows abstract, sketchy lines and shapes that suggest an incomplete or rough draft. Dominant horizontally oriented forms appear at the top of the sketch, complemented by descending vertical lines, creating a sense of depth. Two prominent shapes below resemble triangles or bells, which could be interpreted as light fixtures or hanging baskets. The shapes imply a structured and abstract representation of a scene with horizontal and vertical elements.

A Sailing Ship [verso]

Edward Lear

1839

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Thos. Agnew & Sons Ltd., London); purchased by William B. O'Neal, Charlottesville, VA, 1976-1994; gift to NGA, 1995.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1989

  • The Spell of Italy, University of Virginia Library (McGregor Room), Charlottesville, 5 March - 30 July, 1989.

Wikidata ID

Q64557533

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