Three Preliminary Sketches, Sketchbook VI, Italy (Amalfi, La Cava, Capri, Cuma), June 1835 – July 1936, in the collection of the Dixson Library, State Library of New South Wales, Sydney (File numbers: FL8653171, FL8653172 and FL8653174)

We are grateful to Dr Ruth Pullin for her assistance with this catalogue entry.

Illustrated here is the Interior of La Trinità della Cava (commonly known as Badia di Cava) – a Benedictine abbey located near Cava de’ Tirreni in the province of Salerno, Southern Italy. Located in a gorge of the Finestre Hills, this 11th century Benedictine convent has a rich history which Von Guerard enjoyed exploring in the library of ancient parchments during his stay there in July 1835 with his father. Indeed, church or monastery cloisters were a favourite subject for von Guerard at this time, and both he and his father produced several sketches and paintings (particularly in the watercolour medium) during their stay.