 "Rustic Hospitality" was painted in 1834, and, in 1836, "Sunday Morning" and "As Happy as a King", the subject of the latter picture having been suggested to Collins by the story of a country boy whose ideal of regal happiness was swinging upon a gate all day long and eating fat bacon.In September 1836, Collins left London for Italy, where he remained until 1838.During these two years he occupied himself unremittingly in advancing his knowledge of painting, but had to return due to illness.