Lacco Ameno (Isola d’Ischia)

Lacco (Isola D’Ischia)
Oil on Canvas
Italy, circa 1815

Height Framed (approximate ): 130 cms (51.2 ins)
Width Framed (approximate): 160 cms (63 ins)

The scene unfolds in a tranquil harbour setting of Lacco Ameno, where small boats gently sway with the ebb and flow of the tide. The harbour is animated by bucolic figures who are captured in the midst of their daily toil—fishermen attending to their nets, merchants unloading their wares, and townsfolk engaging in the casual exchange of the day’s gossip. These figures are rendered with a deft touch, their postures and interactions suggesting a narrative that extends beyond the canvas.

Dominating the backdrop is a majestic mountain that rises sharply against the sky, a natural sentinel watching over the harbour. Its rugged peaks, the dormant volcano Mount Epomeo, are rendered with a chiaroscuro effect, providing a dramatic contrast to the busy harbour scene. The mountain’s presence adds a timeless quality to the painting, connecting the ephemeral activities of the harbour with the eternal grandeur of nature.

The architectural elements in the painting are typical of Mediterranean coastal towns. The houses are painted a brilliant white, reflecting the relentless Mediterranean sun and casting back the light in a dazzling display.