Channel Island artists did not confine themselves to their native soil. Many travelled, following the Grand Tour, seeking stimulus and creativity from overseas. One such artist was Charles Poingdestre whose wandering eventually led to his appointment as President of the British Academy in Rome. Many of Poingdestre's paintings are of Rome and its immediate surroundings. A favourite subject of his was the Pontines Marshes. Poingdestre was fascinated by the use of water buffaloes to keep the canals clear of weeds. The buffaloes were driven in teams down the canals; in their endeavours to escape from their drivers, they tear away the weeds which are carried down stream to the sea. Our painting of Pontine Marshes dates from 1871-73, however, he executed several other works of this subject including two which he exhibited at the Royal Academy.