Edward Lear, Stretti di San Luigi, 1844.

Black chalk, pencil, wash, heightened with white, on light buff paper. Signed and dated 1844 lower left, inscribed Stretti di San Luigi lower right. 16.5 x 10 cm. (6 1/2 x 4 in), corners trimmed.

Provenance:
John Scandrett Harford (1787-1866); thence by descent to the present owner.

Engraved:
Edward Lear, Illustrated Excursions in Italy, 1846, vignette no. 23, p.91

” … the Stretti di San Luigi, is of fearful height and narrowness, and except in summer weather is totally impassable. Eagles and ravens abound throughout the whole of this terrific gorge, whose aspect chills the mind, as much as the cold wind sweeping through it does the body.” [op. cit. , 1846, p. 91]

Bloomsbury.