Fischer in der Bucht von Neapel bei Mondschein 1885

Oswald Achenbach painted "Fishermen in the Bay of Naples by Moonlight" in the 19th century. It reflects the period's fascination with both the sublime power of nature, and the lives of the working classes. The Bay of Naples was a popular subject for artists, part of the 'Grand Tour' that wealthy Europeans would take to experience the cultural treasures of Italy. This painting romanticizes the life of Italian fishermen, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. Yet, consider the social context: Italy was a country of stark class divisions, and images like these often overlooked the harsh realities of poverty and exploitation. What is the public role of such images? Do they reinforce existing social hierarchies by presenting an idealized view of the working class? Or do they offer a glimpse into a different way of life, fostering empathy and understanding? Historical research into the art market of the time, and the reception of such paintings by the public, can provide valuable insights.