Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies in the costume of a Knight of the Order of San Gennaro 1819

Vincenzo Camuccini painted this portrait of Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies, using oil on canvas. The material qualities of the paint are key to understanding the artwork. Look closely, and you’ll notice the smooth, almost enamel-like finish, achieved by carefully layering thin glazes. This technique, typical of the Neoclassical style, prioritizes precision and control, but the appearance is deceptive. Building up the image in this way would have demanded hours upon hours of labor, meticulously applying each layer and allowing it to dry before the next. The result is an object that speaks of royal power and status, but it's important to remember the intense physical effort required to create such an illusion. The tradition of oil painting, passed down through generations of artists, is therefore tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Recognizing the immense work involved challenges us to appreciate the true value and complexity of this portrait.