19th Century Neapolitan Gouache

Neapolitan school, Early 19th century

An extensive View of Naples

Gouache on paper; held in period maple frame.

Dimensions refer to outer framed size.

This unusually large and extensive panorama of the bay of Naples takes it view point from the lush environs of the Real Bosco di Capodimonte. Established in the eighteenth century by the Bourbon Kings as a royal hunting reserve, this expansive hilltop estate surrounds the grand Palace of Capodimonte and was always intended to serve as a peaceful green oasis high above the city’s chaotic, yet colourful streets.

In this view we see not only those distinctive streets but Vesuvius to the left smouldering and to the right on its own promontory the Castel St Elmo. In the foreground under the the large tree we see Neapolitans dancing.