Giovanni Costa painted "Sunrise at Nettuno" with oils, capturing a serene coastal scene. Costa was a key figure in the Italian Macchiaioli movement, which challenged the conservative academic art of the time. Consider the cultural context of mid-19th century Italy, a period of political upheaval and unification. Costa and the Macchiaioli artists sought to break from the past, mirroring the nationalist aspirations of the Risorgimento. Their focus on light and color, evident in the soft hues of this sunrise, represented a progressive approach to art-making. Costa’s involvement with groups like the Etruscan School further reflects a desire to connect with Italy’s cultural roots while forging a new artistic identity. Art historians use manifestos, letters, and critical reviews to understand the intentions and reception of artists like Costa, and in turn to emphasize the role of art as something contingent on social and institutional context.