Pallanza on Lake Maggiore

James Baker Pyne, a great admirer and imitator of Turner, often travelled in his footsteps, emulating his dramatic effects and echoing his use of pale yellow tones. Pyne was born in Bristol and lived there until the age of 35, giving painting lessons to William James Muller who later became a leader of the 'Bristol School’. He thereafter moved to London and exhibited at the Royal Academy, The British Institution, and The New Watercolour Society for over two decades. His record of works produced from 1840 to 1868 is held in the Victoria & Albert Museum.

A related view to this, in watercolour and dated 1847, was acquired by the Government Art Collections Fund in 1968.