Lear was profoundly inspired by the landscape of Greece. Between 1855 and 1864, he lived for long periods on the island of Corfu. Stavrós was a picturesque viewpoint much visited by British tourists. According to Lear, ‘no lovelier view can be seen, so much so that I rank it first of all the distant Corfu views’. Panoramic views, with brilliantly lit, romantic and infinite skies, were among Lear’s favourite subjects. This spectacular watercolour encapsulates his delight in the clear light and ‘the vast yet beautiful simple sweeping lines’ of the Greek landscape.