Inscribed and dated: 11.15 am/Lake Lugano/18 August 1878/Monte Cima

Pen and ink with light wash, 16.5 by 26 cm (6 ½ by 10 ¼ ins)         

Lear recorded the following entry in his diary for 18th August 1878: “Perfectly clear sunrise…off with G by rail to Lugano…on board the “Generoso” steamer & started at 11.15. Pretty crowded. Sat at the end. Sun was very hot – continually drew…” (Edward Lear Diary for 18 August 1878, held by Houghton Library, Harvard University (MS Eng 797.3) (transcribed from microfiche of original manuscript). The Morgan Library and Museum hold another drawing drawn on Lake Lugano at 2.10 pm on the same day View of San Salvador from Caprino on Lake Lugano (inv. 1972.20:2).