John Wilson Carmichael (1799-1868) - Gallery between Finale & Noli, Italy

Some of Carmichael's best works are his Italian scenes. The artist liked to work in sepia and this is a great example of his skill in this medium. The picture depicts the gallery between the Italian coastal towns of Finale Ligure and Noli on the Gulf of Genoa in the province of Savona c.1830. The cave arch frames the composition and has a narrow and rather precarious looking cliff road next to the sea. A work by the artist Henry Alford in 1870 (see photos) shows a different view of the road and cave Carmichael has depicted.
 
This picture has superb provenance detailed below and has been in several prestigious collections.
 
Medium: Pencil, sepia wash and bodycolour, inscribed l.r. 'From the Gallery between Finale & Noli', 23.1 x 32.2cm, framed. 
 
Provenance: Collection of Sir Herbert Henry Edward Jermingham, Longridge Towers; Christie's Maritime Sale, 14/5/1998, lot 344 (sold as part of folio); Abbott & Holder, London (see label verso); Collection of Lord Cormack.
 
Condition report: the watercolour is in great condition for its age. The frame has some wear, for example the corners are slightly loose (see photos) and the mount could do with a small clean.