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Lot Essay
Towne together with John 'Warwick' Smith left Rome around the beginning of August, and although it took them three weeks to reach the Italian Lakes, there are very few drawings which can be dated to this period of the journey. Then suddenly, as they came within sight of the lakes, both artists set to work with enormous vigour and industry: Towne produced at least 28 drawings in five days. Eleven of these (or possibly twelve; this work in the numbered sequence is missing and the subject is unknown) were made in a large sketchbook measuring 46 x 26cm. It had evidently been reserved until the beginning of this important phase of the journey, as the drawing numbered 1 was a view of Mendrisio, dated 24 August 1781 (Ottawa, National Gallery of Canada).
As Towne and Smith proceeded on their way towards Lugano, Towne made this view of the lake, in the same large format. The water is glimpsed through a lush screen of late summer foliage, while beyond Towne recorded a first sight of the enfolding hills and mountains in which he was to spend most of the next month. At Bissone, further up the lake, Towne made two smaller drawings; toward the end of the day, he came within sight of Lugano itself and began the view of the town across the lake (see lot 39).
The present drawing was bought by Sir William Worsley at the same time as the view of the Lake of Lugano, lot 39.
As Towne and Smith proceeded on their way towards Lugano, Towne made this view of the lake, in the same large format. The water is glimpsed through a lush screen of late summer foliage, while beyond Towne recorded a first sight of the enfolding hills and mountains in which he was to spend most of the next month. At Bissone, further up the lake, Towne made two smaller drawings; toward the end of the day, he came within sight of Lugano itself and began the view of the town across the lake (see lot 39).
The present drawing was bought by Sir William Worsley at the same time as the view of the Lake of Lugano, lot 39.
