Edward William Cooke (1811-1880) - Amalfi coastline and Duomo di Sant'Andrea

These drawings by Cooke on tracing paper are fascinating and rare examples of the artist's preparatory studies. Cooke has precisely drawn the Amalfi coastline including a view of the bell tower of Duomo di Sant'Andrea (Amalfi Cathedral). These works were almost certainly with the aid of a camera lucida which Cooke was known to use. In fact, in his diary he wrote whilst in Rome on March 2nd 1846 that he 'went with Hannah to choose a Camera [ludica] at Flacheron's, which he bought, then called on Geo Dennis (out) & sketched from St Angelo'. [1] Cooke was in Amalfi in May and June 1846 so would have used this camera and our works are likely from this tour.
 
These drawings came directly from Cooke's studio and have been in a private collection since this time through descent. Other works we currently have for sale also came from this set including the Strasbourg and Rome drawings.
 
Medium: pencil on tracing paper, top drawing 'The bell tower of Duomo di Sant'Andrea' 10.4 x 17.1cm, bottom drawing inscribed l.r. 'Amalfi', 10.3 x 17.3cm,  mounted (41 x 33.5cm)
 
Literature:
 
[1] John Munday. E.W. Cooke 1811-1880: A man of his time, London: 1996, p.294.
 
Provenance: Studio of the artist, thence by descent to the previous owner.
 
Condition report: generally very good for their age. There is some time staining and very small tear l.r. on the bottom drawing (please see photos).