James Duffield Harding (1797 - 1863) was born in Deptford, England and studied with Samuel Prout after whose style this is very reminiscent. Although Harding studied engraving he preferred drawing topography. He exhibited at the Royal Academy at the yound age of 13 years. He was however also a very talented lithographer and produced large folio works by Stanfield and Roberts, for Hullmandel. He travelled to the continent regularly from the 1820s to 40s visiting Italy, Normandy and the Rhine producing various books from his experiences. John Ruskin admired his work and stated that after J M W Turner, Harding was "unquestionably the greatest master of foliage in Europe". This rather fine scene appears to be taken in Italy from the architecture and bears to the left side a boat and path. The verso bears in early manuscript hand 'Yalland', referring to the location or owners name?