"David Solkin, Richard Wilson: The Landscape of Reaction (London: Tate Gallery, 1982): 'Soon after his arrial in Rome (probably close to the end of 1751), Wilson made up his mind once and for all to commit his energies entirely to the landscape genre. This decision initiated a prolongued burst of activity as a draughtsman which was to gain in momentum over the next several years. One major piece of evidence for the degree of seriousness with which Wilson confronted his new career is provided by a sketchbook that he used in 1752 [. . . (E.3586-1922)]. Though the book contains a number of rapid sketches from nature and the antique, most of its pages are filled with imaginary essays in landscape design. On the whole these drawings incorporate classical themes (including numerous temples, antique ruins, etc.), but presented in a rococo manner, using lazy curving forms and often capricious combinations of architectural motifs in a way that still recalls the works of Zuccarelli. From this time onwards, however, Wilson slowly but surely abandoned this fantastic notion of landscape art in favour of focusing his attention on the outside world.' (p. 152.)"