LEAR, JOURNAL OF A LANDSCAPE PAINTER IN SOUTHERN CALABRIA, 1852, AND CORSICA, 1870 (2 VOLUMES)

Journal of a Landscape Painter in Southern Calabria. Richard Bentley, 1852. large 8vo, 20 tinted plates and 2 maps, contemporary calf, spine gilt, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers, inscription on front free endpaper, some spotting to preliminaries, boards worn, rubbed Journal of a Landscape Painter in Corsica. John Bush, 1870. large 8vo, frontispiece map and 40 plates, russet cloth with later morocco spine, brown endpapers, spotting throughout, boards lightly soiled, bumped

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"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."

Lear was a prolific writer and landscape paper. He travelled extensively through Italy, Greece, Albania, Palestine and Egypt, writing and sketching throughout his tours. His Journal of a Landscape Painter in Corsica here contributed to the rise in Victorian tourism to the island. “…the excessively rich foliage which is the characteristic clothing of the all the hills. This ‘maquis’ or robe of green covering every part of the landscape except the farthest snowy heights, is beyond description lovely…”