Torvet i Sulmona 1856 - 1903

Edvard Petersen made this watercolour painting of the market square in Sulmona, Italy, sometime in the late 19th century. The painting gives us a glimpse into the daily life of an Italian town, and also tells us about how artists from Northern Europe engaged with the culture of the South. Here, Petersen captures the vibrant atmosphere of Sulmona’s marketplace, a hub of economic and social activity. The buildings surrounding the piazza tell a story of the town’s history, with its mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Consider the clothing of the figures, which indicates social class and regional identity. Also take note of the presence of religious architecture as a backdrop to everyday secular activities. Petersen may have been inspired by the period’s broader interest in genre scenes and the picturesque qualities of everyday life. As historians, we can dig deeper into the painting's context by exploring travel accounts, local histories, and studies of the art market during this period. These resources can help us understand the social and institutional forces that shaped both the town of Sulmona and Petersen’s artistic vision.