This author of the inscription on this page is James Hakewill (1778–1843), with whom Turner collaborated on the engraved print project,
Picturesque Tour of Italy, published 1820. It represents advice to Turner on travelling in Italy in preparation for the artist’s first tour of the country in 1819 (see the introduction to the sketchbook). The text was first transcribed by Finberg,
1 and is repeated here with minor variations:
Lucca –. Make an excursion for | the day to the Baths – | Inn at Lucca – Croca di Malta | good – | See a picture called a Vandyke, in the | Church
Hakewill had himself visited Italy in 1816–17, and views of the countryside near the Baths of Lucca can be found amidst his drawings from this time (British School at Rome Library).
2 He naturally recommended that Turner follow the same itinerary, travelling to Rome via Genoa and Florence. However, Turner ultimately opted for a different route, entering Italy via the Pass of Mont Cenis and proceeded first to Venice via Milan and the Italian Lakes, before continuing onto Rome via Ancona. Hakewill’s notes to Turner continue on folio 10 verso (
D40675).
