My last view of Italy, looking from the alps over Suza 1835

John Glover painted “My Last View of Italy, Looking from the Alps over Suza” in the first half of the 19th century. It captures a moment of leaving, imbued with a sense of romantic longing for the Italian landscape. But this isn't just a personal farewell. Consider the era in which this was made. As travel became easier, the Italian landscape and its classical ruins served as a cultural touchstone for Northern European elites. Wealthy British families completed their "Grand Tour," returning home with paintings and sculptures that validated their status. Glover, however, presents a more intimate view. The figures in the foreground are not tourists but locals, their lives interwoven with the land. His painting speaks to the complex relationship between the picturesque and lived experience. To understand its full meaning, we might turn to travel guides from the period, and records of artistic patronage. Such resources can help us interpret not only what is shown but also what is left unseen.