Yale Center for British Art, Gift of Donald C. Gallup, Yale BA 1934, PhD 1939
Copyright Status:
Public Domain
Accession Number:
B1997.7.3
Gallery Label:
Commissioned by Lord Aberdare to paint a local subject of his own choosing, Edward Lear set out for India near the end of 1873 with his friend Lord Northbrook. Lear soon found his subject in Darjeeling, recording in his journal on January 16, 1874, “Wonderful wonderful view of Kinchinjuna!!!” He sketched repeatedly “the great world of dark opal vallies” and a “little Buddhist shrine,” along with one of the highest peaks of the Himalayas. His characteristic commitment to accurate topography is apparent in this painting’s close attention to details of the landscape. The figures, however, are rendered more as types than individuals, reflecting Lear’s allegiance to the British colonists who sponsored his trip. Over the course of the next five years, he painted this version in oil for Lord Northbrook as well as other versions for Lord Aberdare and Louisa, Lady Ashburton. Gallery label for installation of YCBA collection, 2016