Grotto by the Seaside in the Kingdom of Naples with Banditti, Sunset 1778

"Grotto by the Seaside in the Kingdom of Naples with Banditti, Sunset" (1778) by Joseph Wright of Derby depicts a group of figures huddled beneath a rocky overhang, their faces illuminated by the light of a setting sun, which casts an ethereal glow over the seascape beyond. The scene is a dramatic portrayal of the Italian coastline, with the city of Naples in the distance. The inclusion of "banditti" (outlaws) suggests an element of danger and intrigue, and the painting captures the dramatic beauty of a natural setting.