GIOACCHINO LA PIRA active in Naples between 1839/1870 The Island of Ischia Signed La Pira bottom right Gouache on paper, 42X63.5 cm Provenance: Lombardy, private collection Gioacchino La Pira's works are distinguished by a refined style based on the search for light and characterised by a romantic taste vibrant with liveliness and freshness. Naples and its territory occupy a central place in his artistic production, represented through landscapes that fit perfectly into the tradition of Giacinto Gigante and the Posillipo School. Together with his brothers Gastone and Carmine, as well as Gaetano Dura, he contributed to elevating the genre of gouache or gouache painting, much appreciated by foreign travellers visiting Italy during the Grand Tour. Through his works, La Pira was able to capture extraordinary effects of light and colour: an almost impalpable air that could be described as aerographic, fiery sunsets and a luminous representation of sunshine and serenity. One of his paintings is exhibited in the Museo di San Martino in Naples, while three gouaches were included in the sale of the Duke of Vendôme's treasures in 1831.