Naples
1884-1885
Edward Lear captures the dramatic silhouette of Mount Vesuvius puffing smoke into the sky, looming over the Bay of Naples in this atmospheric sketch. Written 'Napoli' in the corner, the scene frames the iconic volcano through a foreground of scribbled, energetic foliage, giving the viewer a sense of peeking through the bushes at the historic landscape. Though famous for his silly limericks, Lear was a serious travel artist who spent years sketching the Mediterranean, and this quick, expressive wash drawing perfectly shows his eye for grand, romantic vistas.
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