Typical work of a German Romanticist , who worked in the middle of 19th century in South Italy: view of the sea from a a grotto, probably in southern Italy.

This oil painting shows the "eye" of a grotto, offering a concentrated view of a stretch of sea that stretches out to the horizon in undisturbed tranquility and calm, shimmering turquoise blue. A few sailing boats cruising there hardly disturb the impression of completely untouched nature. The entrance to the grotto is at sea level. Since the beginning of tourist curiosity in the 18th century, caves and grottos have been places of particular attraction. These natural wonders are transformed into objects of fascinating contemplation.

Literature: in German ”Reise ins unterirdische Italien. Grotten und Höhlen in der Goethezeit” ( Carlsruhe, 2002).
Inscription: unsigned.

Material: oil on wood, original period frame.

Dimensions: w. 12 1/3" x h. 10 1/4" (31,5 x 26 cm) , framed w. 21 1/4" x h. 18 7/8" (54 x 46 cm).

Condition: very good.