Pair of Neapolitan gouache landscapes bay Naples Vesuvius fishermen Italy 19th century

Pair of Neapolitan* gouaches depicting two views of Italian landscapes in the Bay of Naples with Vesuvius** visible in the background, animated by several characters and fishermen on their boats, in gilded wooden frames with oval passe-partouts, souvenir of the Grand Tour, 19th century period.
These gouaches are in good condition, superb quality. They are highly decorative.
Please note: slight wear to the frames (later, see label on back), some soiling to the gouaches (a little pitted), age wear, see photos.
* Neapolitan gouaches were of great interest to tourists in the 18th and 19th centuries, eager to return home with images and souvenirs of their travels. Gouaches remained the prerogative of Naples, one of the most important cities in Europe under the Bourbons, and a compulsory part of the itinerary of the Grand Tour of Italy, a complementary trip to the studies undertaken by all distinguished Europeans. Anonymous in most cases, and in small format for ease of transport, these so-called minor works, produced by hand, have delighted generations of tourists. Vesuvius by day or night, erupting and the Bay of Naples are the most common themes. Paintings of Vesuvius erupting were often framed by a black border, with the artist indicating the year and day of the eruption depicted. Numerous painters devoted themselves to this pictorial genre. Neapolitan gouaches were produced for over a century, until the advent of new techniques such as engraving reproductions (from 1840) and photography (according to Regard'antiquaire).
** Mount Vesuvius is a 1,281-metre-high Italian volcano bordering the Bay of Naples, to the east of the city. It is the only volcano in continental Europe to have erupted in the last hundred years, although it is currently dormant, having last erupted in 1944. It was responsible for the destruction of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis and Stabies, which were buried under a rain of ash and mud on August 24, 79. It has erupted many other times over the past millennia and is one of the world's most dangerous volcanoes, due to its explosive tendency and, above all, the large population living in its vicinity.
Dimensions

Frame 59 cm x 51 cm view 37.8 cm x 29 cm

Catalogue number: 910 378

All photos on :
www.antiques-delaval.com

Ref: TPCP193NVO