Bay of Naples 1908

Albert Marquet rendered this view of the Bay of Naples in oil paint, using a seemingly simple approach. But don't be fooled - the material itself holds a wealth of information. Oil paint, since its popularization in the 15th century, has been intrinsically linked to commerce. Pigments, ground in oil, became a tradable commodity, reflecting colonial expeditions to extract the raw materials. In this work, the layering and blending of the paint is key. Marquet applied the colors wet-on-wet, a technique called "alla prima", suggesting a speed of execution that belies the careful observation required to capture the subtle gradations of light on the water. The way Marquet has handled the paint, its viscosity and color, speaks to the importance of direct, sensory experience. By embracing the fluidity and immediacy of the medium, he has created a work that is at once representational and deeply personal. This challenges our notions of fine art, as this was a process of skilled labor.