Evening meeting of the fishermen in a tavern of Mergellina near Naples

Hermann Corrodi painted this view of fishermen near Naples, probably in the late 19th century, using oil on canvas. Look at the sky – there’s a real looseness in the way the clouds are depicted, blobs of white and grey against a pale blue. It’s like Corrodi is thinking through the act of painting itself. The light is pretty amazing in this one. It feels like Corrodi is trying to catch a fleeting moment, the way the sun glances off the water and the buildings. The paint isn’t too thick, but there’s a visible texture, especially in the water where you can see the strokes suggesting movement and reflection. Take a look at the way the figures are painted – they're more like suggestions of people, than detailed portraits, which gives the whole scene a kind of casual, everyday feel. I’m reminded of some of the Hudson River School painters with their dramatic landscapes and attention to light, though this feels a bit more intimate, less about grand vistas and more about capturing a slice of life. Art's like a big conversation, isn't it?