Reali Lotti, No. 16, Strada Toledo, Naples: people and carriages on the street walking through the rain 1833

Karl Johan Lindström created "Reali Lotti, No. 16, Strada Toledo, Naples" using pen, watercolor, and graphite on paper. The artist used familiar, traditional art materials to depict a common scene of 19th century urban life. Lindström likely began with a graphite sketch to map the composition. Over this, pen lines add definition, especially to architectural details and figures. Watercolor washes fill in the scene with color, creating an atmosphere of a rainy day. Consider how the transparency of watercolor allows the under-drawing to show through, adding depth. Beyond its aesthetic qualities, this artwork can also be interpreted as a product of its time. Lindström's detailed depiction of urban life gives the viewer a glimpse into 19th century Neapolitan society, with its mix of social classes and economic activities. The artwork stands as an artifact of its time. It challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the cultural significance embedded in its making.