[ECOLE NAPOLITAINE] Vue de Naples et du Vésuve

Original watercolour in perfect condition depicting the Bay of Naples, inscribed in the lower margin: Napoli S. Lucia a mare.
Rare view of the Santa Lucia district, historic quarter of Naples, depicted as it was in the first quarter of the 19th century, with Vesuvius spewing ash in the background of the composition. This type of Neapolitan watercolours and views of Vesuvius in activity were much prized by wealthy European travellers undertaking the traditional "Grand Tour of Italy", a pilgrimage through the bucolic landscapes and great cities of Italy. This watercolour formed part of an album amicorum assembled between 1825 and 1826, bringing together views of lakeland scenery and port cities (Naples, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore...) among engravings, lithographs, drawings, and wash drawings.