Mount Parnes from Varnava, Greece

Details

Edward Lear (Holloway 1812-1888 San Remo)
Mount Parnes from Varnava, Greece
inscribed, dated and numbered 'Mt. Parnes, from Varnava./ 16. June. 1868/ (39.)' (lower right) and further inscribed with the artist's colour notes throughout
pencil, pen and brown ink and watercolour
10 ¼ x 18 ½ in. (26 x 47 cm.)

Provenance

with Leger Galleries, London, June 1971.
Sir Clifford Norton (†); Christie's, London, 9 April 1991, lot 176.

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Lot Essay

Lear left Athens with Charles Church on 13 June 1848 for a tour in Attica and Boeotia. Three days later on 16 June he records in his journal, '9 a.m. came in sight of Port of Rhamnus. Drew, while C.M.C. bathed. Tremendous heat. Then, at last with great pain, mounted and rode up to the foundations of Temple (the ancient Temple of Nemesis). On by ravines, with wood and grey rocks. By 1 p.m. at Varnava, a pretty village, with noble views. Dinner in tent - excellent. Directly afterwards drew - great heat.'

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