Neapolitans in Paris in the Years of Impressionism, From De Nittis to Gemito
Zevallos Palace, Naples
The Gallerie d'Italia and Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano present the exhibition Neapolitans in Paris in the years of Impressionism; From De Nittis to Gemito, curated by Luisa Martorelli and Fernando Mazzocca, sponsored by the City of Naples, the City of Barletta and the Institut Français of Naples. The exhibit may be seen as an overview of the great Neapolitan painters and sculptors in Paris in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and traces the development of Neapolitan painting by presenting the most popular genres of the time: landscape, seascapes, urban views and especially the scenes of modern life of which the Impressionists and Giuseppe De Nittis were the greatest exponents.
Nineteenth-century Paris, the European capital of modern culture, welcomed artists from all over the world, but the link with Italy was among the strongest. During the course of the century, a privileged relationship with Naples was consolidated to such an extent that the presence of Neapolitan artists was even more intense than in any other Italian school.
Neapolitan art moved to France, presenting itself at the annual salons and universal exhibitions, winning many prizes and positive feedback from critics.
The emblematic figure of the exhibition is undoubtedly Giuseppe De Nittis, Apulian by origin, but Neapolitan by spirit and culture.
