Sketch of Lugano, 13th August 1823

William Cowen (1791 - 1864)

RA Collection: Art

An illustrated letter with a sketch of Lake Lugano, Switzerland, showing a view towards the hills and mountains beyond.

In the letter Cowen describes his journey to the Italian and Swiss lakes, stating how disappointed he had been by Lake Como, which is "not at all to be compared to Lago Maggiore. In the immediate vicinity of Lugano the lake assumes a most magnificent effect. I shall here-with send you a slight sketch of it, for I believe this place has seldom been visited by the English Gentry & as there is a possibility you have not seen it also, perhaps you will be pleased with even a hasty outline."

William Cowen was an artist from Rotherham, Yorkshire, who was supported by local patrons, in particular the Wentworth Fitzwilliam family. Sir Thomas Lawrence and Cowen appear to have been in contact since at least the early 1820s.