Lot 2280 Dα

The present painting "View of Rome from the Via Appia", painted in 1881, is a characteristic example of Oswald Achenbach's mature creative output. In his extensive painterly oeuvre, Italy was always the focus of his interest. Not only during the time he spent in the country, but also in his Düsseldorf studio, Achenbach spent his life painting the unmistakable landscapes of Florence and Naples bathed in southern light, depicting all times of day and night. At the time, he was without doubt the master of depicting Italian light, especially evening and night-time scenes. This painting shows a sunny summer afternoon with a small group of women resting on the Via Appia at the foot of the tomb of Cecilia Mettella. This was already a popular destination both for the local population as well as for numerous painters from the north during the time of Goethe and Hackert. Thus, the view of the distant spires and rooftops of the Eternal City and the Tiber Valley from this elevated location can be seen in many paintings throughout the entire 19th century.