Edward Lear; Capri from Massa; 1840; black and white chalk on grey paper; 9 11/16x 16 1/4 in. (24.61x 41.28 cm); While he is best remembered as the self-described 'Laureate of Nonsense' for publishing 'A Book of Nonsense' and successive volumes starting in 1846; Lear first established himself as a topographical artist. His journey to Rome in 1837 was the beginning of an adult lifespent mostly abroad; exploring and capturing landscapes from Italy to India. A diary entry from May 12; 1862; reads: 'The Elements--trees; clouds; & c--silence . . . seem to have far more part with me or I with them; than mankind.' Lear typically traveled to and sketched beautiful scenery in graphite drawings that he annotated with references to the exact location; date; and color descriptions. After returning to his studio; he then created finished drawings and watercolors; which he framed and sold to visitors or through exhibitions. Lear's topographical renderings were widely distributed in seven books that the artist dedicated to the description of his travels.