Pins parasols aux environs de Naples 1847

Félix Ziem made this oil painting on wood, showing the trees around Naples, Italy. The painting gives a glimpse into the artist’s process, showing how Ziem handled the textures and colors of the Italian landscape. Look closely, and you can see how the strokes of the brush, heavy with paint, build up a sense of depth and atmosphere, almost like a three-dimensional model. The wooden support peeks through, a reminder of the work involved in preparing the surface, before even a single stroke of paint. Ziem was part of a wave of artists in the 19th century who turned to landscapes in search of authenticity, seeking a simpler world away from the industrialized cities. But even this seemingly straightforward painting reminds us of the economic factors that make leisure and travel possible for some, but not for others. By considering the material, making, and context of “Pins parasols aux environs de Naples”, we understand the broader social forces at play.