View of Capri from across the Bay at Massa, Italy

For a decade from 1837, apart from two visits to England in 1841 and 1845-6, Lear based himself in Italy, spending the winter months in Rome and travelling throughout Italy for the rest of the year. He was inspired by Italy, by Rome and its surrounding landscape. He became part of the artistic community in the city and developed a flourishing practice as a teacher to the English residents as well as finding a ready market for his work.