Artwork
Gezicht op Napels
Gezicht op Napels is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Gaspar van Wittel. It dates from 1712 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Gezicht op Napels is a 1712 painting by Gaspar van Wittel, a Dutch artist known in Italy as Gaspare Vanvitelli. It is executed on copper and depicts a view of Naples.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows Naples' waterfront, with buildings densely packed along the harbor. Boats are present in the harbor, suggesting maritime activity. The hazy atmosphere and soft edges convey a sense of distance and depth.
Technique & Style
Van Wittel employed a smooth, sketchy style to capture the effects of light and distance. The buildings are rendered simply, yet collectively create a layered, busy appearance. The overall effect is characteristic of the veduta tradition, a genre in which van Wittel was a leading figure.
History & Provenance
The painting is now held in the Rijksmuseum collection. It exemplifies van Wittel's frequent use of copper as a medium for detailed topographical works.
Artist & collection
Artist
Caspar van Wittel or Gaspar van Wittel (Dutch: ; born Jasper Adriaensz van Wittel; 1652 or 1653 – 13 September 1736), known in Italian as Gaspare Vanvitelli (IPA: ) or Gasparo degli Occhiali (IPA: ), was a Dutch painter…
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