View of Capri 1926

Konstantin Gorbatov made this oil on canvas painting, View of Capri, with generous strokes and vibrant colours. The materiality of oil paint itself is key here. The thickness and texture of the paint create a sense of depth and immediacy, capturing the light and atmosphere of the Italian coast. Gorbatov's technique emphasizes the physical act of painting; the brushstrokes are visible, and the layers of paint build up a rich surface. This wasn't just about rendering a scene, but also about the work involved in making it. Consider too, that such a painting was destined for the art market. Gorbatov was catering to a demand for images of leisure and beauty among the well-to-do, a demand fueled by increasing industrialization, and a desire to escape from it. This painting, then, is a complex product of both artistic skill and economic forces. It’s a reminder that even the most seemingly straightforward landscape can carry layers of meaning about labor, leisure, and the business of art.