The Baths of Ischia, near Naples

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The Baths of Ischia, near Naples
The Baths of Ischia, near Naples
The Baths of Ischia, near Naples
Tate, London 2014
title=Credit line
Artist
Richard Wilson (1713/14-1782)
Title
The Baths of Ischia, near Naples
Date
c.1753 (undated)
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
Metric: 44.5 x 54.6 cm
Imperial: 17 1/2 x 21 1/2 in.
Accession Number
N02646
Wilson Online Reference
P58
Description
The view, identified for the first time at the Tercentenary exhibition, is taken from a position on the coast just to the east of the thermal spa of Casamicciola Terme on the north of Ischia, looking west past the harbour. Wilson's position was by the former Pio Monte della Misericordia thermal establishment.
Exhibited
Tercentenary 2014 (48)
Provenance
Colnaghi & Co., London; bt 1900 by George Salting (1835-1909); bequeathed to the National Gallery, London, 1910; transferred to Tate Gallery 1955
Signature/inscription
Unsigned; no inscription
Techniques and materials
The application of paint to the horizon and foreground is typical of Wilson's hand.
Subject
Ischia is the largest island in the Gulf of Naples. In Greek mythology it was inhabited by the hundred-headed monster, Typhon who, having been vanquished by Zeus's thunderbolts and buried under Mount Etna, took vengeance by creating volcanic eruptions. In classical antiquity, Ischia was a celebrated resort, with hot mineral springs and sub-tropical vegetation. It remained very popular with visitors in the 18th century.
Related Drawings
D220 The Baths of Ischia, Victoria & Albert Museum (DYCE.642)
Versions
See 'Links' tab
Related Paintings
Pendant: P47 View of Lago d'Agnano, Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford
Critical commentary
Richard Wilson visited Naples and the surrounding area in 1752 and again in the spring of 1753 with Lord Dartmouth. It is uncertain whether he completed this picture during his time in Italy or on his return to England. Close examination suggests that it was perhaps left unfinished and completed later in the lower section. Exceptionally, apart from the sky, the painting agrees in detail with a drawing - D220.
Previous Cat/Ref Nos
2646
Bibliography
Davies 1946, p. 178, cat. 2646 - An Italian Coast or Lake Scene; Ford 1951, pp. 32-33; WGC, pp. 110, 204, pl. 83a; Wilson and Europe 2014, p. 240
Link to WG Constable Archive Record
Condition/Conservation
Framed dimensions: 64.4 x 73.5 cm. Simple weave linen with pale grey ground left exposed in lower right foreground. Conserved June 2001.