Vallata a Castiglioncello 

Giuseppe Abbati painted this vista of Castiglioncello, Italy using oil on canvas. Abbati and other artists associated with the Macchiaioli movement departed from the academic painting styles popular at the time, turning instead to a focus on naturalistic light and bold blocks of color, or “macchie.” If we consider the materiality and process behind “Vallata a Castiglioncello,” it’s clear that Abbati’s methods were just as crucial as his vision. The thick strokes and textures created with brushes and oil paint result in a layered effect that captures the natural environment and the effects of light, the scene's atmosphere being almost palpable. The painting's earth tones, rendered with such intensity, transform an ordinary landscape into something quite striking. Abbati’s approach elevated the simple act of painting outdoors, making visible a direct connection between the artist, the materials, and the depicted landscape. This painting embodies a moment when art began to embrace the physical world, celebrating the making process and the inherent beauty of everyday subjects.