GIUSEPPE CASCIARO

Ortelle 1863 — 1941 Naples

View of the Phlegraean Island of Nicida from Possillipo

pastel over oil paint on paper. 81/4 x 13" (210 x 328mm). dated and signed by the artist: 4 Set. 1907  G Casciaro.

Casciaro studied with both Domenico Morelli and Filippo Palizzi. He soon became one of the illustrious circle of artists in Naples around the turn of the 20th century which included Gemito, Mancini, Michetti and Pratella.

Casciaro dedicated his art to landscape, primarily that of his beloved city and its environs. His views are distinctively personal and usually executed in his preferred medium of pastel, sometimes mixed with oil, as in the present example. He also worked just in oil, but rarely. He was regarded during his lifetime as the best pastellist. His works were exhibited in Italy and abroad (Paris) and he was made honorary professor at the Academies of Fine Art of Naples, Urbino and Bologna. His collection of art was well-known though dispersed after his death.