Bonhams to Sell Edward Lear Painting of Bethlehem

LONDON.- As well as being a well known poet, Edward Lear (1812-1888) was also a prolific artist. The next 19th Century Paintings auction at Bonhams New Bond Street features a beautiful topographical scene of Bethlehem which Lear completed from sketches he made whilst travelling in the Middle East. It is estimated to sell for £50,000-80,000 at the auction on 13th July 2011. Early on in his painting career Lear focused predominantly on ornithological works and was employed by the Zoological Society, but landscapes subsequently became his preferred subject. He was a frequent traveller and on his numerous journeys he kept detailed diaries as well as many topographical watercolour sketches that were later worked up in oils back in his studio. In 1858, accompanied by his manservant Georgio Kokali, Lear spent three months touring Jerusalem, Petra, Bethlehem, Hebron and Lebanon, after receiving a commission

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