Capri 1927

Konstantin Gorbatov painted this view of Capri, probably in the 1920s, with oil on canvas using confident and direct marks. I love how the paint is dabbed and dragged across the surface creating a tapestry of textures. Look how the walls of the buildings are rendered with thick impasto, a mosaic of warm, sun-drenched yellows, oranges, and whites, whilst the shadows are a cool, contrasting blue. The brushwork is really physical and energetic, capturing the essence of the Italian landscape with a joyful, almost feverish intensity. In the foreground, notice the path. Gorbatov has used thick, choppy strokes of browns and greys, giving it a rough, uneven texture, almost like the path is rising up to meet us. It feels like we could reach out and touch it, feel the grit beneath our fingers. The painting shares some of the qualities of the Impressionists, especially someone like Monet. Art is such a great conversation across generations, isn't it?