Carl Wilhelm Götzloff

Galerie Wimmer & Co., Munich
Purchased from the above by the present owner on 23 February 1971

The canvas has been relined, and bears the inscription 'Neapel vom Capodimonte' on the reverse, possibly in facsimile of the artist's title on the original canvas. Ultraviolet light reveals an even varnish and some minor scattered spots of faintly visible retouching, primarily in the wall in the lower right and a few in the centre and to the right of the sky, and in the lower part of the right framing edge. Apart from a few scattered small spots of surface dirt (visible in the catalogue illustration), this work is in good condition. Presented in a decorative gilt frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For Götzloff Italy became a second home, and it was as an Academy scholar in Rome that he befriended fellow German Romantic Josef Anton Koch. In 1825 Götzloff moved to Naples, where he focused his attention on the beauty of his surroundings – the view from the Capo di Monte being one of his favourites. His work, which was praised as being ‘unfailingly true and tender’ by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, also shows elements of the ‘Heroic Landscape’, a style developed by Koch, which fuses aspects of the Classical tradition, natural history, and mountain scenery in a movement towards the sublime.