Thomas Jones, Mount Vesuvius from Torre dell’Annunziata near Naples 1783. Tate.
Discover the influence of Italy on eighteenth century European artists in this display of drawings, watercolours and oil sketches
The late eighteenth century was a time of political stability in Europe. More people could afford to travel. The Grand Tour was a popular way for young men from wealthy families to finish their education. They travelled around Europe, learning about the cultures of other countries. A guide, or often an artist, accompanied them, including some whose work is shown in this room. A stay in Rome and Naples was a high point of their journey.
For many British painters, the experience of visiting Italy was transformative. Some were inspired to paint landscapes, work outdoors, or experiment with different mediums. Richard Wilson converted from portrait painting to landscape, Thomas Jones experimented with sketching with oil paints, outdoors when he visited Rome or from the window of his lodgings in Naples. As well as the history and cosmopolitan culture of these cities, the scenery and light
inspired painters long after they returned home.
The tradition of the Grand Tour did not continue after the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815), a series of conflicts in Europe led by Napoleon, Emperor of France. JMW Turner first visited Italy in 1819. While paying close attention to ancient monuments and their history, he responded to the colour and atmosphere of this ‘land of all bliss’.