Details

Catalog summary

Edward Lear Petra inscribed l.l.: Petra. 13 April / 1858 , inscribed l.r.: Squills / (39), further inscribed with the artist's colour notes pen and brown ink with watercolour 34 by 25 cm.; 13 1/2 by 9 7/8 in. Condition Although the colours are still present, some of the pigments have faded slightly. The paper has suffered from light-staining, which is noticeable at the edges of the sheet, when one removes the present mount. "In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE." Catalogue Note In the spring of 1858 Lear travelled extensively in Palestine. He docked at Alexandra on 17 th March, and after a brief stay in Jerusalem, he set out across the desert for Petra. Along with his servant Giogio, Lear travelled with a guide and a protective escort of 15 armed men, as travellers in the region were frequently attacked by Arab tribesman. The journey, which was undertaken on camels, took five days and the party passed through some of the lowest and hottest landscape on earth. Upon seeing Petra for the first time, Lear confessed in his diary that he was 'more delighted and astonished than [he] had ever been by any spectacle' (see Vivien Noakes, Edward Lear, The Life of A Wanderer , 1968, pp.158). From drawings that he executed on the spot, of which the present work is one, Lear was able to complete two major oil paintings of this subject. One of these was sold at Christie's, London, 28 th January 1972, lot 127, while another was sold in these Rooms 12 th July 2007, lot 10. The word Squills that Lear has inscribed in the lower right hand corner of the sheet, refers to the shrubs that can be seen growing in the dry river bed at the centre of the composition.