Edward Lear (London 1812-1888 San Remo)

Jerusalem, with its powerful biblical associations, was the goal of many artist-travellers to the Near East in the 19th Century. Edward Lear, aware of the particular veneration in which the city was held, wrote as early as 1848 of his desire to visit it: ‘How I wish someone would pay my way to Palestine; I should like to see Jerusalem of all things’. After two earlier attempts had failed, his journey was eventually enabled by a commission from Lady Waldegrave, one of his most loyal patrons. He reached the city on 27 March 1858, and the next day, Palm Sunday, explored the country immediately outside the walls: ‘We crossed the Kidron & and went up the Mount of Olives – every step bringing fresh beauty to the city uprising behind’ (Lear’s Diary, 28 March 1858, cited in V. Noakes, Edward Lear 1812-1888, London, 1985, p. 149).