Reminiscence of the Environs of Naples

In response to a request from the Meiji government, Antonio Fontanesi came to Japan in 1876 to teach at the Imperial College of Arts. He taught Asai Chu, an artist whose works are central to this museum’s collection. Fontanesi had drawn inspiration from the works of Corot, and this gives special significance to our acquisition of Corot’s work. This painting dates from Corot’s later years, and was made about 20 years after his final trip to Italy. In old age, Corot reminisced about places he had visits, imbuing his depictions of them with nostalgia and emotional richness. This is one of these works, and shows similarities to his renowned Recollection of Mortefontaine (collection of the Louvre). Both paintings present evocative scenes that invite us to immerse ourselves in their reflective depths. (U.M.)