Description
The painting Seller of Snails by Filippo Napoletano is a masterpiece of 17th century Italian Baroque art. With an original size of 18 x 13 cm, this small painting is a true gem that captivates viewers with its realism and detail.
Napoletano's artistic style is characterized by his ability to depict scenes of everyday life with great precision and detail. In Seller of Snails, the artist shows us a snail vendor on a street in Naples. The composition of the work is simple but effective, with the vendor in the foreground and a blurred background that suggests urban life in the city.
Color is another interesting aspect of painting. Napoletano uses a palette of earth tones and grays that reflect the humility and realism of the scene. However, the artist also uses some bright color brushstrokes on the vendor's clothing and snails, bringing a touch of life and vibrancy to the work.
The history of the painting is also fascinating. Napoletano is believed to have created this work as part of a series of paintings on daily life in Naples. The painting was acquired by King Philip V of Spain in the 18th century and is currently in the Prado Museum in Madrid.
Lastly, there are some little-known aspects of the painting that make it even more interesting. For example, Napoletano is said to have used real snails to create the scene, demonstrating his commitment to realism in his art. In addition, the painting has been the subject of various interpretations over the years, from a social critique of poverty to a celebration of daily life in the city.
In short, Filippo Napoletano's Seller of Snails is a fascinating work of art that combines realism, detail, and color to create a scene of daily life in 17th-century Naples. With its engaging story and distinctive artistic style, it is a painting that continues to captivate viewers today.