Viareggio is on the north east coast of Italy, near Lucca, with the Apennine Mountains behind. Armfield studied in Italy, and published a book, An Artist in Italy, in 1926. His first exhibited Royal Academy painting was of Lago Maggiore in 1913, the same year as this delicate early landscape

Born in Ringwood, Hampshire, Armfield was educated at Birmingham School of Art before moving to Paris and Italy, though his pictures retained a distinct Birmingham Arts and Crafts quality. The Fine Art Society dealt in his work for many years, although he also exhibited a great deal in various other places, including the Royal Academy, the New English Arts Club and the Leicester Galleries.