Two nuns 1799

Curator: Saverio della Gatta’s painting, titled “Two Nuns,” was completed in 1799. What strikes you upon viewing it? Editor: The subdued palette gives it a serene, almost melancholic mood. The composition is quite simple, two figures against a pastel landscape, yet there's a tension in the dynamic. Curator: Absolutely. Consider della Gatta's historical context. He was painting in Naples amidst socio-political upheavals; one must question the position of women in religious institutions and the economics of their livelihoods. Their garments alone would have necessitated the contributions of weavers, tailors, and dyers. Editor: I'm drawn to the interplay of light and shadow across their habits, and the subtle use of color to define form. The way the folds of their clothing are rendered adds a sculptural quality to their figures. Note also how Gatta subtly positioned them along orthogonals converging in the upper part of the painting, achieving depth within the confines of a single plane. Curator: The neoclassical genre-painting tradition that della Gatta was following also meant a commodification of images. Small paintings of genre scenes had great market value, contributing to the growth of private collections throughout Europe. This work speaks to the economics of image-making. Editor: Yes, the artist employs watercolor, allowing for translucent layers and delicate details. But to what extent can we call this Neoclassical? The lack of hard-edged forms or the celebration of a specific canon—aside from general idealization, perhaps—pushes against typical Neoclassical conventions. Curator: That is a fascinating detail and highlights the social aspects of Neoclassical art. Neoclassicism allowed paintings such as "Two Nuns" to become luxury goods accessible to the burgeoning merchant classes as opposed to the aristocracy and royal families. Editor: Interesting point. Considering the serene composition and nuanced detail, despite it not strictly adhering to Neoclassical values, dela Gatta certainly produced something truly profound. Curator: Indeed. Looking at it through the lens of materials and access truly changes one’s perception.