Live Auction 8788Christie's Interiors
Edward Lear (1812-1888)
Lot 239

Edward Lear (1812-1888)

The castle at Melfi, Italy

Closed14 May 2013

Price Realised

GBP 1,250

Considering selling a similar item?

Discover its value with a complimentary estimate from our specialists.

More Information

How to sell

Edward Lear (1812-1888)
The castle at Melfi, Italy
inscribed and dated 'Melfi./Sept. 21' (lower left) and extensively inscribed with colour notes (throughout) and with inscription 'J. W. Turner' (lower right)
pencil, pen and brown ink and coloured washes heightened with touches of white
8 1/8 x 11 in. (20.8 x 28 cm.)

Specialist note

Edward Lear visited Melfi from 17-22 September 1847 and described the castle as 'sufficiently imposing at this silent hour of night. There is a drawbridge, and sullen gates, and dismal court-yards, and massive towers, and seneschals with keys and fierce dogs, - all the requisites of the feudal fortress of romance.'
He spent his days there drawing outdoors until they had 'made as many drawings as we had a right to require'.