The Caves of Ulysses at Sorrento, Naples 1843

William Collins painted "The Caves of Ulysses at Sorrento, Naples" in the 19th century. The image evokes the classical world as much as it documents the 19th-century Italian landscape. Collins had a successful career during a time when the Royal Academy was still the center of the British art world. But his work was more focused on the beauty of natural scenery rather than the social issues of the time. Collins uses visual cues to create a romanticized vision of Italy, and by referencing Ulysses, he links it to ancient stories, creating a timeless image. The Bay of Naples was a popular destination for British artists, and it signified both historical and artistic inspiration. Looking at Collins's letters and the records of the Royal Academy can provide more context to this painting. By researching the social and institutional environment in which Collins worked, we are better able to understand the meaning of his art in its proper historical context.