FABRIS, Pietro
(active 1756-1779 in Naples)

Naples, a View of Mergellina

1777
Oil on canvas, 104 x 157 cm
Private collection

This Mediterranean view shows Mergellina and the Palazzo Donn'Anna beyond, with fishermen drawing their catch, peasants grilling fish and other figures conversing. It is a fine example of Fabris's talent for blending the colourful aspects of daily life with his careful approach to the topographically accurate description of landscape.

Though still a small fishing village during the eighteenth century, the expansion of Naples meant that Mergellina was gradually absorbed and is now part of the city itself.