Lear, Edward English Painter and Illustrator, 1818-1888
English painter, draughtsman, illustrator and writer. In the 1860s Lear described himself as 'Greek Topographical Painter par excellence', aspiring to the title of 'Painter-Laureate and Boshproducing-Luminary forthwith' (quoted in 1983 exh. cat., p. 14). This whimsical summary of his versatile activities as topographical draughtsman, oil painter, traveller, writer and illustrator of nonsense rhymes and stories is typical of Lear's idiosyncratic literary style. It reflected his eccentric personality. He was epileptic and prone to fits of deep depression. In addition, owing to family misfortunes, The Temple of Bassae or Phigaleia,in Arcadia from the Oakwoods of Mount Cotylium.The Hills of Sparta,Ithome and Navarino in the Distance 1854
Oil on canvas 146.4 x 229.5cm(57 3/4 x 90 1/2in)
Fitzwilliam Museum,Cambridge (mk63)
