GREGORIO FIDANZA | A VIEW OF VIRGIL'S TOMB NEAR POSILLIPO; AND AN IDEALISED VIEW OF TIVOLI INCLUDING THE BELL TOWER OF THE CHURCH OF SAN CRISOGONO IN ROME

"The artist’s dynamic compositional approach and moody palette are so effective here – they strongly enhance the appeal of these already awe-inspiring and romantic monuments."

Arianna Leoni Sceti

The brother of Francesco, Gregorio Fidanza studied in Paris under Charles-François Lacroix de Marseille and went on to become official court painter to Stanislaus August, King of Poland. He drew his inspiration from the work of Claude Lorraine and Salvator Rosa, whose landscapes he often imitated. Virgil, the great poet of ancient Rome and author of the Aeneid was still widely read in the late 18th century. Positioned high up on the hillside above the Grotto of Posillipo, an ancient tunnel constructed in antiquity to shorten the route between Naples and Pozzuoli, Virgil's tomb – which can still be seen in Naples today – became a popular subject for artists due to its romantic appeal, sublime visual aesthetics and literary prestige.