The fish market in Rome 1865

Rudolf von Alt made this watercolor painting of the fish market in Rome. The use of watercolor is noteworthy because it is a tricky medium, requiring a delicate balance of control and spontaneity. Von Alt uses the medium to its full potential to depict the architecture, the fish, and the people working in the market. The fish market is painted with looser brushstrokes compared to the buildings, creating a contrast between the bustling market and the age-old architecture that houses it. This contrast reflects a tension between modern life and historical context, a theme that resonates with the experience of labor and commerce. Von Alt captures the essence of labor, commerce, and the convergence of nature, culture, and history in the everyday lives of the working class. By looking closely at the materials, processes, and the social context in which artworks are created, we gain a deeper understanding of its full meaning.