The Amphitheatre, Taormina, Sicily
1842
Before he became famous for writing nonsense poetry about owls and pussycats, Edward Lear was a serious landscape artist traveling the Mediterranean. This 1842 sketch depicts the ancient ruins of Taormina in Sicily—often called an amphitheatre though technically a Greek theatre—with the majestic, snow-capped Mount Etna looming in the distance. The crumbling stone arches stand in stark contrast to the vast landscape, perfectly capturing the Romantic era's fascination with the 'sublime' beauty of decay. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the travels of a man who used art to escape his chronic illness and depression.
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