The Bay of Naples
This delightful gouache of the Bay of Naples overlooking Vesuvius is a classic example of small-scale painting prompted by the souvenir trade. Pre-dating the age of photography, enterprising artists made gouache and watercolor views for ready sale to tourists and sailors. The marine backgrounds were often finished in advance of the arrival of particular ships. The vessel was then laid in on arrival, in time to sell the souvenir to disembarking officers and passengers. Ships like this one, powered by both sails and a steam-driven paddle, entered Continental shipping fleets in the 1830s, hence the relative date assigned this drawing.
Artwork Details
- Title: The Bay of Naples
- Artist: Unknown (Italian, Ferrara)
- Date: ca. 1835
- Culture: Italian(?)
- Medium: Gouache
- Dimensions: 245 x 331 mm
- Classification: Drawings
- Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
- Object Number: 1975.1.556
- Curatorial Department: The Robert Lehman Collection
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