The present drawing was included in the artist's one-man show in 1805, no. 131, as part of a group of nine 'Views in Italy', nos. 128-136, all made at the beginning of his journey home. The ..., no. 1, is dated 1 August, and no. 7, inscribed '15 miles on the road from Florence to Bolognais' is dated 11 August (Yale Center for British Art). Towne presumably stopped for a few days in Florence; the present drawing was painted when he resumed his journey after this pause.

We are grateful to Timothy Wilcox for his help in preparing the catalogue entry.