Callow made his first trip to Italy in 1840. His own account of the journey to Florence reads 'The next day we started in a "vettura" in company with two others for Florence, having to be drawn by oxen at a Snail's pace across the Apenines. We slept in a solitary habitation, Albergo del Nolta, in sight of Monte di Fo, and after two days travelling arrived in Florence. Here we remained for two days sketching all the wonderful buildings'. Callow then went on to Rome. Although he continued to regularly exhibit Italian, particularly Venetian views over the ensuing years, Callow did not return to Italy until 50 years later in 1892. For further information see J. Reynolds, William Callow, London, 1980, pp. 75, 150