The Church of Santa Maria at Luco
The Church of Santa Maria at Luco
Edward Lear (1812-1888)
The Church of Santa Maria at Luco
Signed lower right: E. Lear del. 1844. and inscribed lower left: Santa Maria di Luco
Black chalk and pencil heightened with white on buff paper, with corners cut
9.1 by 19.6 cm., 3 ½ by 7 ¾ in.
Provenance:
John Scandrett Harford (1787-1866);
By descent until 2015
Engraved:
For Edward Lear's Illustrated Excursions in Italy, 1846, pl.5
The Church Santa Maria, built on part of these ancient walls, is also of great antiquity; having been given to the Benedictines by Doda, Contessa de' Marsi in 930. The Lucus or Grove of Ancizia or Augitiae, from which the modern town derives his name, I looked for in vain… …. we were well pleased with the beautiful view of the Lake, and group of Alba and Velino, now diminished by distance, yet forming a fine back-ground to the picturesque church and walls.' (op. cit., p.21).