Edward Lear

Place: Holloway

Born: 1812

Death: 1888

Biography:

Early Life and Career

, a renowned English artist, illustrator, musician, author, and poet, was born on May 12, 1812, in Holloway, North London. As the penultimate of 21 children, Lear's life was marked by an early start to his career at the age of 15. His father, Jeremiah Lear, a stockbroker, faced financial difficulties after the Napoleonic Wars, leading to the family's reduced finances and Lear's need to support himself from a young age.

Artistic Contributions

Lear's artistic contributions are multifaceted:

• Illustrations of Birds and Animals: Employed by the Zoological Society, Lear's early work showcased his skill in illustrating birds and animals.
• Landscape Painting: Following his extensive travels throughout Europe and Asia, Lear dedicated himself to landscape painting, capturing the essence of these regions in his works.
• Author and Poet: Lear's claim to fame lies in his nonsense poetry, limericks, and humorous verse, as seen in his books "A Book of Nonsense" (1846), "Nonsense Songs" (1871), and "Laughable Lyrics" (1877).
• Musical Compositions: Lear composed musical settings for Alfred Tennyson's poetry, with twelve published works.

Notable Works and Legacy

Some of Lear's most notable works include:

• "The Owl and the Pussycat", a poem that has become synonymous with his style.
• "The Dong with the Luminous Nose", showcasing his fantastical approach to poetry.
• Illustrations of the Family of Psittacidae, or Parrots (1830), his first publication at the age of 19.

Museums and Collections

Lear's works can be found in various museums, including:

• The Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, featuring his oil painting "The Plains of Lombardy from Monte Generoso".
• Other notable collections and museums showcasing Lear's art can be found on Wikioo.org's extensive database.

Conclusion

's legacy is a testament to his innovative approach to art, combining humor, nonsense poetry, and landscape painting. His influence on the world of art and literature remains unparalleled, with his works continuing to inspire new generations. View more of Edward Lear's artworks on Wikioo.org Learn more about Edward Lear on Wikipedia