St Peter’s from Arco Oscuro 1840

Curator: Edward Lear, best known for his nonsense verse, was also an accomplished artist. This drawing, "St Peter's from Arco Oscuro," captures a view of the basilica. Editor: It's a rather somber composition. The stark contrast between light and shadow creates a melancholic mood despite the famous view. Curator: Lear was interested in documenting the sites, but also in the experience of viewing those sites, especially given the political climate surrounding the papacy at the time. Editor: I'm struck by the almost hurried quality of the lines; it feels raw and immediate. The contrast isn't just light and shadow, it's also one of texture and pattern. Curator: Yes, this sketch reveals Lear's process, capturing both the grandeur of Rome and a sense of immediacy in his encounter with it. Editor: It’s interesting how the dome of St. Peter's, usually so monumental, is reduced to a distant, almost ethereal presence in this sketch. A nice subversion!