In 1767, brothers Alexander and John Runciman travelled to Italy together with the chief aim of develop their artistic knowledge and skill. This drawing dates from this trip. Alexander mainly painted romantic landscapes, historical scenes and murals. He was an important figure in Scottish art education, becoming Master of the Trustees' Academy. John was an exceptionally accomplished draughtsman and an artist of great talent and promise. Sadly, he had a difficult time in Rome, and having become deeply troubled, he destroyed many of his studio works and paintings. He died at the age of 24, within a year of his arrival in Italy.