(Düsseldorf 1827–1905)
“Ischia – Feast of St Anne, Casamicciola“, titled and inscribed on old label on the reverse signed, dated Osw. Achenbach 1876,
oil on canvas, 127 x 109.5 cm, framed, (Rei)

Provenance:
Kunsthaus Lempertz, Cologne, 17 November 2001, lot 1457;
Van Ham Fine Art Auctioneers, Cologne, 12 April 2003, lot 1300;
Private Collection, Germany

Although Oswald Achenbach’s first landscapes of the campagna depict wide open spaces, in his later works he felt compelled, by a sort of horror vacui, to fill the canvases with animated scenes; exactly like the one in the present work.
Represented here is the processione alla chiesetta di Sant’Anna on the island of Ischia, which Achenbach visited during his fourth trip to Italy in July 1871.
Traditionally, this feast is celebrated every year on the 26th of July with a procession to the Church of Saint Anna as well as bonfires and fireworks, which can be observed from a boat off the coast of Ischia.

Though a swarm of people is parading though the narrow streets of the island, the scene captured by Achenbach seems almost peaceful; a typical feature of his oeuvre. We can easily imagine the procession making its way, slowly, under the weight of the relics and in the hot summer evening, on the steep streets of the town. The warm, yellow glow of the candles in the darkness emphasises the solemnity of the moment, which contrasts with the lively celebrations happening in the distance, as indicated by the fireworks in the sky. We have no choice than to be, just like the men watching on the right, captivated by the celebration depicted so beautifully by the artist.