Mr Lear by himself

Lear's self caricatures adorned many of his letters and sketches from July 1860 onwards, usually depicting himself in the 'perfectly spherical' shape which he referred to in 'How Pleasant to Know Mr Lear' (14 July 1879 manuscript, British Library). The rotund image was inspired by his increasing girth, but was one recalled from his childhood with his siblings, 'Do you remember, dear Fred, what I used to call you many years ago? Your constant increase in circumference reminds me again of the Norfolk Biffin-what a fine specimen of this rounded fruit you must represent!! I think I see you now how you used to run round the room after me when I compar'd you to the flat spreading Norfolk Apple' (Ann to Frederick Lear, 10 September 1847, see V. Noakes, Edward Lear 1812-1888, Royal Academy exhibition catalogue, London, 1980, p. 185, under no. 96.)