“Landscape w/ Castle Ruins” Antique English Painting by George Smith

An extraordinary landscape view of Naples, identified as such on the stretchers with a title of "No. 829 Der Neaple", this intricate scene is executed in the most bright and vibrant of palettes. Brilliant blues and luscious greens dance across this quaint Italianate landscape, the wild arid landscape domesticated by a worn path flanked with walls of stone gathered from the nearby fields before a small cafe. Stone Pines and three Italian Cypress...

The present work is an interesting scene for a number of reasons, including importantly its time of execution in 1865. It was during a period of his retirement to Scarsborough following time spent in Italy, sketching the major lakes and landscapes in the northern part of the country. Likely executed in his studio using the preparatory sketches made of the area during these travels, the scene captures an idyllic view of Lake Nemi during sunset. It is rich in fall colors as light cascades through the haze of clouds and strikes the turning leaves of the trees, casting long shadows along the meadow grasses. The blue waters of Lake Nemi are cool and reflect the landscape bordering the shore. The focal point of the scene is a family of three that is taking the day to hike the local countryside, breaking along a rock to enjoy the lovely views. The work is signed and dated 1865 in the lower right corner and the original frame retains a label on it from John Hay Son, an art dealer, framer and gilder in John Wilson Carmichael...