Artwork

Napoli

Napoli, by Edward Lear, graphite, 1884
Napoli, by Edward Lear, graphite, 1884

Napoli is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Edward Lear. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Napoli is a drawing created by Edward Lear in 1884, executed in gray and black wash over graphite on card.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Lear's skill with wash and graphite, techniques he often employed in his detailed drawings of animals and landscapes.

Subject & Meaning

Although the subject is not explicitly stated, Lear's practice of sketching during travels and refining these sketches into finished compositions suggests Napoli may be a representation of a place he visited.

Context

Lear was a multifaceted artist, illustrator, and writer, known for his literary nonsense and work as a draughtsman, which likely influenced the creation of Napoli.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Edward Lear

Artist

Edward Lear

Edward Lear (12 May 1812 – 29 January 1888) was an English artist, illustrator, musician, author and poet, who is known mostly for his literary nonsense in poetry and prose and especially his limericks, a form he popularised but which term…

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