Follower of Camillo de Vito, Grotta di Posillipo, Early 1800s, Gouache Painting

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An original early 19th-century gouache painting, Follower of Camillo de Vito, Grotta di Posillipo.A dramatic interior at the Grotta di … Read more An original early 19th-century gouache painting, Follower of Camillo de Vito, Grotta di Posillipo.A dramatic interior at the Grotta di Posillipo, or Crypta Neapolitana, a tall narrow tunnel built through the Posillipo Hill during the first century BC. The tunnel was a key thoroughfare, in use until the late 19th century, for travelling from Naples west to Pozzuoli and Lake Agnano—such travellers, their wares and livestock, can be seen in the foreground of this painting. The tunnel is a marvel of ancient engineering, inspiring the legend that it was magically created by the classical poet, Virgil, whose villa was said to be nearby.The bold, opaque colouration is typical of the vedute style that flourished in Naples during this period to meet demand from wealthy Grand Tourists for souvenirs of the city. The anonymous artists of the Neapolitan School employed specific motifs and colours which today can be considered a unique, iconic visual language.Such paintings were typically small, but this example is larger and more impressive than average. Due to its preservation in an album, the colours and paint surface remain arrestingly vivid and crisp.On thin wove paper laid down on original album backing paper.All artworks come with a Certificate of Authenticity and—if it is a collection artwork—its accompanying collection text or artist biography. Signed: No. Inscribed: Inscribed below on backing paper. Height: 29cm (11.4″) Width: 20.8cm (8.2″) Condition: In excellent condition overall.Very slight rubbing or blooming to the gouache in places. Age toning, wear and short tears to the edges of the backing paper. Please see photos for detail. Presented: Unframed. See less