Sonnenuntergang am italienischen See (Oberitalien) 1890

Lesser Ury painted “Sunset on an Italian Lake (Upper Italy)” with oil paint on canvas. Ury’s landscapes and cityscapes are a crucial part of German Impressionism, capturing atmospheric conditions like rain, fog, and of course, the setting sun. Ury, of Jewish heritage, struggled against antisemitism in the art world. His work was often misunderstood, and he faced constant challenges to his artistic reputation. “Sunset on an Italian Lake (Upper Italy)” offers us a momentary escape, providing a sense of serenity and calm, removed from the urban settings he often painted. The rich, dark blues of the mountain and sky contrast with the bright yellows and oranges of the setting sun. This evokes a sense of melancholic beauty, perhaps reflecting Ury's own feelings of isolation and longing. The painting invites us to reflect on the transient nature of life, and the ability of art to offer a sense of solace amidst personal and societal turmoil.