The rotunda of the Palmieri baths 1866

"The Rotunda of the Palmieri Baths" (1866) by Giovanni Fattori captures a fleeting moment of social life in Florence. Fattori's signature use of loose brushstrokes and muted tones is evident in the depiction of figures strolling along the waterfront, their silhouettes outlined against the white wall of the palmieri baths. The composition, characterized by a sense of movement and immediacy, reflects the artist's interest in capturing the everyday life of his time. This small-scale sketch, now housed at the Palazzo Pitti, offers a glimpse into the artistic spirit of the Macchiaioli, a group of Italian artists who sought to depict light and atmosphere in their work.