Journal of a tour on the continent of Europe made in 1823 by Thomas Cowper Hincks and John Hincks and written by John Hincks, 1823

Holograph journal in two versions (original and fair copy) of a tour from London to Naples and return via Switzerland, Germany and the Low Countries made by the Hincks brothers between March 29th and December 8th, 1823

The brothers spent extended periods in Naples, Rome, Florence and Vienna; the journal records their sightseeing, their opinions of works of art and architecture, and the daily events of travel. Supplied with an introduction to William Richard Hamilton, the English ambassador and antiquary, they remained in Naples for three weeks, attending concerts, balls, and conversazioni, exploring the local antiquities, and climbing Vesuvius

Following their departure from Naples they spent a month in Rome, visiting museums, galleries, and the studios of Canova and Thorvaldsen; returned to Florence, where they met William Etty copying a Titian at the Uffizi; marveled at the new Simplon Road into Switzerland; and returned to England via Vienna and the Low Countries

Original annotated on front pastedown with title and note: "note upon the above (made on the day below written) Given to me by me (sic) dearest brother John Hincks, now no more.' T. C. Hincks, August 12, 1844."

Fair copy contains tipped-in portrait engraving of Francis Joseph Charles, Duc de Reichstadt, and laid-in advertising card for the hotel of Pooters and Decoster, Amsterdam

With: 5 autograph letters, signed, to John Hincks from Thomas Hincks; 2 autograph letters, signed, to John Hincks from John Finkett-Maddock; autograph letters, signed, to Hincks from Rector R. Massin; notes, printed ephemera related to later members of the Hincks family; and a manuscript copy of "the Order of Sessions Made the 11th day of Jan.y 1827."