Italian fisherman boy and girl on the rocky coast of Capri 1880

Anton Romako painted this oil on canvas, “Italian Fisherman Boy and Girl on the Rocky Coast of Capri,” in the late 19th century. This work reflects the period's fascination with the Italian landscape and its people, particularly the romanticized lives of those in the Southern regions. Romako’s painting places these figures in what would then be considered a remote area of Europe. Capri, in particular, became a haven and temporary studio for artists looking for inspiration. This painting is also interesting in that it features children, the artist seemingly fascinated by the idea of the working child. The question we might ask ourselves is, is this a painting that seeks to highlight the benefits of such a lifestyle, or is it a critique? To answer that question, we would need to examine closely the context in which Romako was working. Contemporary periodicals, records from art academies, and exhibition catalogues can reveal much about the social and cultural values that shaped the creation and reception of this painting. Art is very much a product of its time and place.