Michelangelo's Study, Rome

Both Hering and Hook spent part of their early careers travelling in Europe. Hering first visited Rome in 1929 with his patron Lord Erskine. He then travelled to Constantinople and Smyrna, before returning to Rome where he settled until 1836 when he first exhibited at the Royal Academy. Hook visited the Borghese Gardens with his wife as part of an early visit to Rome on 31 March 1847. There is a sketchbook of drawings from his Italian visit in the collection of the artist's descendants.