Neapolitan school of the first half of the 19th century

Neapolitan school of the first half of the 19th century.
Four "Vedute" of Naples.
Set of four oil paintings on canvas.
Measurements: 50 x 75 cm; 58 x 83 cm (frame).

These four works are paradigmatic examples of the romantic Vedutism that flourished in Naples. During this period, driven by the Grand Tour phenomenon, local artists (and settled foreigners such as Anton Sminck van Pitloo) developed a style that blended topographical precision with a romantic sensibility towards light and color. These pieces probably date from between 1820 and 1850 and could be related to the circle of the Posillipo School.

In "View of the Riviera di Chiaia from the hill" he uses a foreground element to give depth. Thus, a large umbrella pine, typical of Mediterranean flora, frames the scene on the left. This pushes the viewer's eye towards the curve of the bay. The Riviera di Chiaia promenade and the curved coastline are visible. On the dirt road in the foreground, we see peasant figures in traditional costumes, providing the costumbrista or picturesque touch that foreign travelers were looking for. Vesuvius rises majestically in the background, smoking, closing the composition with the iconic double summit profile (Mount Somma and the cone of Vesuvius).

"Port and City from the Sea" places the viewer at water level or on a very low shore, emphasizing the city's relationship with the Tyrrhenian Sea. The urban density of Naples is seen climbing the hill, crowned by the Charterhouse of San Martino and Castel Sant'Elmo dominating the height. To the right, the port activity can be glimpsed. The boat on the right with lateen sail, typical of fishing in southern Italy, stands out. In the center, a rowboat with fishermen at work adds dynamism. The sky occupies a large portion of the canvas, with cottony cumulus clouds reflecting the bright, clean daylight, typical of this school's plein air painting.

"Castel dell'Ovo and Vesuvius is the most iconic view of the Neapolitan postcard, executed with great balance. Castel dell'Ovo, the ancient Norman fortress on the islet of Megaride, serves as the central pivot. Behind, Vesuvius appears imposing, painted in violet and pink tones that suggest atmospheric distance. Dark rocks break the horizontality of the sea. Above them and in the adjacent boats, we again see the fishermen depicted with quick but defining brushstrokes.

"Panoramic of the Bay from Posillipo" is taken from the hill of Posillipo, the favorite viewpoint of painters of the Neapolitan school. It offers a bird's eye view. The shadowy foreground (the hillside with dense vegetation) contrasts with the illuminated bay in the background, creating a dramatic sense of immensity.
Details: In the lower path we see shepherds with goats and travelers, a reminder of rural life coexisting with the big city. The palette is warmer here, with ochre and reddish tones in the earth and a soft mist that blurs the distant city, a master technique to suggest the humidity of the sea air.

In short, this is a set of the highest artistic and documentary quality, with a specific illumination of the Gulf of Naples, sharp and vibrant.