Loading

Aswan

Edward Lear1854

National Museums Liverpool

National Museums Liverpool
United Kingdom

Lear, better known today as a nonsense poet, was a professional artist who specialised in painting views of remote and unusual places. This type of sketch was never intended to be exhibited. It was done on the spot to be used as a reference in the studio later for a painting or finished watercolour. This sketch was made on a trip along the Nile. It is inscribed 'Asswan, 8. Feby 1854 6 P.M.' The precision of time and place is complemented by the exact descriptions of colour scribbled into relevant parts of the scene.

Lear had studied with the Pre-Raphaelite artist William Holman Hunt (1827 - 1910). He had taught Lear the importance of precisely transcribing the light and colour of a particular time and place while he was sketching.

Show lessRead more
  • Title: Aswan
  • Creator: Edward Lear
  • Creator Lifespan: 1812/1888
  • Date Created: 1854
  • Location Created: Egypt: Aswan
  • Physical Dimensions: 33.6 cm x 50.5 cm
  • Rights: Purchased by the Walker Art Gallery in 1943
  • Medium: Pencil; Sepia ink; Watercolour; Paper
National Museums Liverpool

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites