The Palatine 1895

Giovanni Costa made this painting of The Palatine using oil on canvas. Here, the ruins of the Palatine Hill are presented with subdued colors. The way Costa has manipulated the oil paint gives it a life of its own. Consider the way the paint is built up in layers to create depth and texture, mimicking the roughness of the ancient stones and overgrown foliage. The brushstrokes are loose, almost impressionistic, prioritizing the visual sensation over precise representation. This wasn't just about depicting a scene, but also about exploring the expressive potential of his chosen medium. Costa’s painting captures more than just a physical place. It reflects a cultural moment, in which artists sought to connect with the past through direct engagement with its material remnants. By emphasizing process and materiality, we can appreciate how Costa’s painting bridges the perceived gap between fine art and craft.