Artwork
Pietro Ricci, a Fisherman of Sospello near Mentone
Pietro Ricci, a Fisherman of Sospello near Mentone is a watercolor work on paper by the British Romanticist artist Marchioness of Waterford Louisa Anne. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work is a watercolour portrait presenting a young fisherman from the coastal village of Sospello, near Mentone.
About this work
Overview
The work is a watercolour portrait presenting a young fisherman from the coastal village of Sospello, near Mentone. Rendered in three‑quarter view, the figure holds a long spear across his shoulder and a staff in his left hand, his expression solemn. The background is a flat, light wash that isolates the subject, emphasizing his attire and tools.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, identified as Pietro Ricci, is shown in everyday dress—a bright red cap and a green‑brown jacket—signifying his occupation and regional identity. By portraying him with his fishing gear, the image underscores the dignity of manual labor and the connection between the individual and the maritime livelihood of his community.
Technique & Style
Executed in transparent watercolour, the artist employs a restrained palette and delicate washes to model form and convey texture.
Executed in transparent watercolour, the artist employs a restrained palette and delicate washes to model form and convey texture. The plain background and focus on ordinary clothing align with Realist conventions, which favored truthful representation of common people over idealised or heroic subjects. The brushwork captures the sheen of the cap and the weight of the spear with subtle tonal variation.
Artist & collection
Artist
Marchioness of Waterford Louisa Anne
Louisa Anne Beresford, Marchioness of Waterford (née Stuart; 14 April 1818 – 12 May 1891) was a British Pre-Raphaelite watercolourist and philanthropist.
