Group of lazzaroni in Chiaga 1825

Saverio della Gatta made this watercolor, 'Group of lazzaroni in Chiaga', around the turn of the 19th century. It offers us a glimpse into the lives of Naples' working class. Considered from a socio-historical perspective, the image presents the 'lazzaroni' – the urban poor of Naples – not as individuals but as a collective. The scene is Chiaga, an area known for its working-class population. Della Gatta depicts the lazzaroni engaged in everyday activities: mending nets, caring for children, and hauling boats. The backdrop of a fortress reminds us of the ever-present power structures. The image is a valuable document of its time, depicting a social class that was often overlooked or misrepresented in art. To understand the image better, research into the social and economic conditions of Naples in the late 18th and early 19th centuries would be helpful. How did the institution of the monarchy impact the lives of ordinary Neapolitans? What role did the 'lazzaroni' play in the city's economy and social fabric? The answers to these questions would help to contextualize the image and appreciate its significance as a social document.