Edward Lear, Bellagio, Lago di Como.
Inscribed and dated ‘Lago di Como. Bellagio./ 6.AM. 27th. & 5.PM. 26th May. 1867./  Pinewood very dark. Stems red gray.’ (lower left) and numbered ‘(170)’ (lower right) and further inscribed throughout with colour notes. Pencil, pen and grey ink, grey and blue wash on paper. 13 x 22 in. (33 x 55.9 cm.)

Lear’s detailed numbering sequence gives a sense of where he was on a tour at the time each drawing was made. Number 169 from the same tour as the present drawing, with very similar blue-grey colouring and also dated 26 and 27 May 1867, was sold in these Rooms, 5 July 2016, lot 120.

Christie’s.