Edward Lear (1812-1888)

The castle at Melfi, Italy

Details

Edward Lear (1812-1888)
The castle at Melfi, Italy
inscribed and dated 'Melfi./Sept. 21' (lower left) and extensively inscribed with colour notes (throughout) and with inscription 'J. W. Turner' (lower right)
pencil, pen and brown ink and coloured washes heightened with touches of white
8 1/8 x 11 in. (20.8 x 28 cm.)

Literature

Edward Lear in Southern Italy, London, 1964, pp.182-184.

Lot Essay

Edward Lear visited Melfi from 17-22 September 1847 and described the castle as 'sufficiently imposing at this silent hour of night. There is a drawbridge, and sullen gates, and dismal court-yards, and massive towers, and seneschals with keys and fierce dogs, - all the requisites of the feudal fortress of romance.'
He spent his days there drawing outdoors until they had 'made as many drawings as we had a right to require'.

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