Naples. The Capella Nuova outside the Porta di Chiaja 1782

Thomas Jones created this oil on paper painting titled "Naples. The Capella Nuova outside the Porta di Chiaja," capturing a Neapolitan chapel. Painted in the late 18th century, the image is of the Capella Nuova near the Porta di Chiaja and its significance lies in its depiction of Naples' architectural and religious environment during that era. Naples, then under Bourbon rule, was a vibrant city marked by religious fervor and urban development. Jones' painting freezes a moment in this environment, reflecting the social and cultural values attached to religious institutions. The painting’s visual codes, such as the worn facades and simple design of the chapel, may subtly reflect the socio-economic realities affecting religious building practices. By studying travel journals, architectural records, and social histories, we might contextualize this painting to better understand the cultural landscape of 18th-century Naples.