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  • Most Popular Paintings
the collector's folio

Edward Lear Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Edward Lear our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Edward Lear · 1812 – 1888

Mount Athos and the Monastery of Stavronikétes (1857)

1857 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 34 x 54 cm

Edward Lear's "Mount Athos & Monastery of Stavroniketa" (1857) captures a serene mountain landscape with a castle, showcasing the artist’s whimsical style and detailed observation.

View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #1: Mount Athos and the Monastery of Stavronikétes
Art Movement
Romanticism
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 1 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17740 × 25 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$20254 × 34 cm Commission at original size

The Temple of Apollo at Bassae (1855)

1855 · Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge · original 146 x 230 cm

A majestic landscape of the Temple of Apollo at Bassae captures timeless grandeur through Edward Lear's 1855 oil painting, inviting you to bring this piece of classical history into your private collection.

View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #2: The Temple of Apollo at Bassae
Art Movement
Romantic Landscape Painting
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 2 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17740 × 25 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$1123230 × 146 cm Commission at original size

Catania and Mount Etna (1847)

1847 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 31.1 x 48.3cm
View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #3: Catania and Mount Etna
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 3 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17739 × 25 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$19248 × 31 cm Commission at original size

Edward Lear, Bethlehem (1861)

1861 · Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool · original 71 x 115 cm

Delve into Edward Lear's 'Bethlehem,' a serene landscape painting capturing the beauty of rural England and reflecting Lear’s fascination with nature alongside his distinctive artistic style.

View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #4: Bethlehem
Art Movement
Romantic Landscape Painting
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 4 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17740 × 25 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$388115 × 71 cm Commission at original size

Between Olavano and Civitella, 1842, Edward Lear

1842 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 26.4 x 36.8cm
View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #5: Between Olavano and Civitella
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 5 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Edward Lear: The Mountains of Thermopylae

1852 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 68 x 135 cm
View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #6: The Mountains of Thermopylae
Art Movement
Romantic Landscape Painting
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 6 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17740 × 25 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$417135 × 68 cm Commission at original size

Road near Galle, Ceylon by Edward Lear, 1879

1879 · Government Art Collection, London · original 38 x 24 cm

Edward Lear’s 1879 oil painting ‘Road Near Galle, Ceylon’ captures a serene tropical scene with warm hues and figures traversing a dusty path – a timeless glimpse into Victorian Sri Lanka. Discover this evocative artwork and bring its tranquility to your space.

View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #7: Road near Galle, Ceylon
Art Movement
Romanticism
Color Palette
Dark
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 7 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17725 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

Edward Lear, Zagori, Greece (1860)

1860 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 39.4 x 25.4cm
View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #8: Zagori, Greece
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 8 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17725 × 40 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$17725 × 39 cm Commission at original size

Landscape with Goatherd by Edward Lear, 1842

1842 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 26.7 x 36.8cm
View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #9: Landscape with Goatherd
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 9 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Jerusalem by Edward Lear, 1865

1865 · The Ashmolean Museum of Art And Archaeology, Oxford · original 121 x 200 cm

Edward Lear's "Jerusalem" captures the beauty of the Holy Land with vibrant colors and evocative detail. A stunning watercolor from 1865, perfect for art lovers.

View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #10: Jerusalem
Art Movement
Romantic Landscape
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 10 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17745 × 22 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$853200 × 121 cm Commission at original size

Edward Lear, Masada on the Dead Sea (1858)

1858 · Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, San Francisco
View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #11: Masada on the Dead Sea
Color Palette
Dark
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 11 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17741 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

The Forest of Valdoniello, Corsica, Edward Lear

1869 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 91.8 x 147.6cm
View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #12: The Forest of Valdoniello, Corsica
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 12 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17740 × 25 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$544148 × 92 cm Commission at original size

View of Beirut (1861) by Edward Lear

1861 · Government Art Collection, London · original 45 x 69 cm

A breathtaking 1861 oil painting by Edward Lear captures a serene Mediterranean landscape of mountains and palm trees in Beirut, inviting you to bring this vibrant piece of Victorian mastery into your collection.

View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #13: View of Beirut
Art Movement
Landscape Painting
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 13 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17739 × 25 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$23969 × 45 cm Commission at original size

Edward Lear: A distant view of Mt Athos

1856 · Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide · original 22 x 14 cm

Edward Lear’s watercolor "A distant view of Mt Athos" (1856) captures a serene mountainous landscape with meticulous detail and vibrant colors, showcasing the artist's whimsical style and inviting you to own this beautiful piece.

View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #14: A distant view of Mt Athos
Art Movement
Romantic Landscape
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 14 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17738 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Edward Lear, The Plains of Lombardy from Monte Generoso (1880)

1880 · The Ashmolean Museum of Art And Archaeology, Oxford · original 24 x 47 cm

Breathtaking rolling hills and towering mountains define this vibrant 1880 oil painting by Edward Lear capturing the majesty of the Plains of Lombardy from Monte Generoso, a stunning masterpiece to grace your collection.

View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #15: The Plains of Lombardy from Monte Generoso
Art Movement
Victorian Landscape Painting
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 15 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17744 × 23 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$18147 × 24 cm Commission at original size

Kinchinjunga, 1877, Edward Lear

1877 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 24.1 x 36.8cm
View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #16: Kinchinjunga
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 16 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17738 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Philae, Egypt (1863) by Edward Lear

1863 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 27 x 53 cm

Edward Lear's "Philae, Egypt, 1863" captures a serene landscape of ancient Egypt with mountains and water. A beautiful oil painting by the whimsical artist, showcasing his unique style.

View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #17: Philae, Egypt
Art Movement
Victorian Romanticism
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 17 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17745 × 22 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$19053 × 27 cm Commission at original size

Kangchenjunga from Darjeeling (1879) by Edward Lear

1879 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 119.7 x 182.9cm
View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #18: Kangchenjunga from Darjeeling
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 18 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$786183 × 120 cm Commission at original size

Edward Lear, Corfu from Santa Decca (1862)

1862 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 34.3 x 54.6cm
View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #19: Corfu from Santa Decca
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 19 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17740 × 25 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$20355 × 34 cm Commission at original size

Quarries of Syracuse (1847) by Edward Lear

1847 · National Museums Liverpool, Liverpool · original 35 x 50 cm

Edward Lear’s ‘Quarries of Syracuse’ (1847) – a Romantic watercolor landscape capturing Sicily's dramatic cliffs & vastness. Explore this serene, evocative piece.

View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #20: Quarries of Syracuse
Art Movement
Romanticism
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 20 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17738 × 27 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$19950 × 35 cm Commission at original size

View of Bethlehem – Edward Lear

1859 · Israel Museum, Jerusalem
View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #21: View of Bethlehem
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 21 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Thermopylae by Edward Lear, 1872

1872 · The Ashmolean Museum of Art And Archaeology, Oxford · original 34 x 54 cm

A breathtaking vista of mountain ranges and figures overlooking the landscape defines this 1872 masterpiece by Edward Lear, inviting you to bring the serene beauty of this nineteenth-century classic into your home.

View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #22: Thermopylae
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 22 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17740 × 25 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$20254 × 34 cm Commission at original size

Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives (1858) by Edward Lear

1858 · Israel Museum, Jerusalem · original 45.5 x 74.5cm
View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #23: Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 23 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17740 × 25 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$24875 × 46 cm Commission at original size

Corfu from Ascension (1862) by Edward Lear

1862 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 47.3 x 75.9cm
View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #24: Corfu from Ascension
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 24 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17740 × 25 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$25476 × 47 cm Commission at original size

Corfu from near the Village of Virós by Edward Lear

1858 · Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art, Providence · original 40.3 x 25.2cm
View the most popular artwork of Edward Lear ranked #25: Corfu from near the Village of Virós
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 25 of 419 artworks by Edward Lear
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17726 × 39 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$17825 × 40 cm Commission at original size
The artist

Edward Lear

1812 – 1888

Portrait of Edward Lear
Quick facts
  • Emotional tonecalm, reflective
  • Museums on APSFine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Art Gallery of South Australia, Toledo Museum of Art, Yale Center for British Art, Israel Museum
  • Copyright statusPublic domain
  • Movementsromanticism
  • Lifespan76 years
  • Color intensitybalanced
  • NationalityUnited Kingdom
  • Vibeserene, romantic
Biography

A Life Painted in Nonsense and Light

Edward Lear, a name synonymous with whimsical verse and delightfully peculiar illustrations, was far more than the purveyor of limericks and fantastical creatures that often define his legacy. Born in 1812 in Holloway, North London, into a family teeming with twenty-one children, Lear’s early life was marked by both financial instability and a burgeoning artistic talent. His father, Jeremiah Lear, faced hardship after the Napoleonic Wars, forcing young Edward to begin earning a living through his drawings at the tender age of fifteen. This necessity, however, ignited a lifelong passion that would see him traverse continents and capture the world in vibrant hues and playful lines. The shadow of familial difficulty, coupled with early health challenges – including epilepsy and bouts of melancholia he termed “the Morbids” – instilled within Lear a sense of gentle solitude and an inclination towards imaginative escape, qualities profoundly reflected in his art and writing.

From Ornithological Precision to Landscape’s Embrace

Lear's artistic journey began with meticulous precision. Initially employed by the Zoological Society, he honed his skills illustrating birds and animals, demonstrating a remarkable eye for detail and anatomical accuracy. This early work brought him to the attention of Edward Stanley, the 13th Earl of Derby, who commissioned Lear to document the exotic creatures within his private menagerie at Knowsley Hall. These years spent amongst lions, tigers, and parrots not only refined his draftsmanship but also fostered a deep connection with the natural world – a connection that would permeate his later landscapes. However, failing eyesight and respiratory issues eventually led him away from the exacting demands of ornithological illustration. He turned instead to landscape painting, embarking on extensive travels throughout Europe and beyond. Italy became a particular haven, offering not only respite for his health but also an abundance of inspiring vistas. His landscapes are characterized by a unique blend of topographical accuracy and atmospheric sensitivity, often rendered in delicate watercolors that capture the subtle nuances of light and shadow.

The Poet of Nonsense: A World Unbound

While celebrated as a painter, it is perhaps for his literary contributions that Edward Lear is most widely remembered. His “nonsense” poetry – particularly his limericks – revolutionized children’s literature and captivated audiences of all ages. *A Book of Nonsense*, published in 1846 under the pseudonym "Derry down Derry," introduced a world populated by owls and pussycats sailing in pea-green boats, dongs with luminous noses, and other delightfully absurd creations. These verses weren’t merely frivolous; they were imbued with a subtle melancholy and a playful subversion of conventional logic. Lear's limericks often explored themes of loneliness, longing, and the absurdity of existence, cloaked within a veneer of whimsicality. He didn’t simply invent nonsense words; he crafted entire worlds governed by their own internal rules, inviting readers to suspend disbelief and embrace the joy of imagination. The Owl and the Pussy-Cat, arguably his most famous poem, remains a beloved classic, its enduring appeal stemming from its lyrical rhythm and evocative imagery.

A Legacy of Innovation and Enduring Charm

Edward Lear’s influence extends far beyond the realm of children's literature. He pioneered a new form of poetic expression, liberating verse from rigid structures and embracing playful experimentation. His landscapes, though often overshadowed by his poetry, demonstrate a keen artistic sensibility and a mastery of watercolor technique. He was a true polymath – artist, illustrator, musician (he composed musical settings for Tennyson’s poems), author, and poet – whose diverse talents converged to create a unique and enduring legacy. He challenged conventional boundaries, blurring the lines between art, literature, and music. His work continues to inspire artists, writers, and dreamers alike, reminding us of the power of imagination and the beauty of embracing the absurd. His paintings can be found in esteemed collections like The Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, a testament to his skill as a landscape artist. Lear’s life, marked by both personal struggles and creative triumphs, serves as a poignant reminder that even amidst darkness, there is always room for light, laughter, and the boundless possibilities of the human spirit.

Influences and Artistic Development

  • Early Influences: Lear’s initial artistic training focused on scientific illustration, demanding precision and observation. This foundation shaped his meticulous approach to detail, even as he later embraced more expressive styles.
  • Travel & Landscape Painting: His extensive travels through Italy, Greece, Egypt, and beyond profoundly influenced his landscape work. He absorbed the light, colors, and textures of these diverse regions, developing a distinctive style characterized by atmospheric perspective and delicate brushwork.
  • Literary Inspiration: While he popularized the limerick, Lear was also inspired by earlier nonsense verse traditions. His unique contribution lay in his ability to imbue this form with emotional depth and lyrical beauty.
  • Personal Experiences: Lear’s lifelong struggles with health issues and melancholy deeply informed his artistic vision. The sense of isolation and longing that permeates much of his work reflects his own personal experiences.

Questions & Answers

How many artworks by Edward Lear are available to browse?

You can browse 419 artworks by Edward Lear on the All Artworks page.

How do I find works by Edward Lear in a specific palette?

The By Palettes page groups Edward Lear's artworks by their color palettes.

Can I browse Edward Lear's works by medium?

To find all works by Edward Lear in a given medium, use the artist's All Medium page.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Aug. 31, 2026
Collector's quiz
  1. Edward Lear is best known for popularizing which poetic form?

  2. Besides being an artist and poet, what other talent did Edward Lear possess?

  3. What was a significant health challenge that Edward Lear faced throughout his life?

  4. Early in his career, what type of illustrations did Edward Lear create for the Zoological Society?

  5. Where did Edward Lear eventually settle later in life?

Keep exploring

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one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

Commission your Edward Lear

Every artwork by Edward Lear in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

All artworks by Edward Lear

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