The artist Sylvester Shchedrin was fascinated with the city of Naples. This painting is one of a long series of different views of Naples and at different times of the day. This particular work depicts a view of the Naples waterfront of Santa Lucia from west to east. The path leading down to the waterfront in the centre of the image is named the Via Partenope and it was the path from the royal gardens that led to the waterfront. These nocturnal paintings were the artist's experimentations towards the end of his life. They contained peaceful sceneries with the glow of the moonlight placed over them that granted them a poetic lyricism. He was greatly influenced by the Romanticism of the Italians and this is evident in the soft idyllic atmosphere he creates in his plein air paintings of the city of Naples. The veil of moonlight over the waters is broken up by the clouds and the bonfire in the left corner. There is great detail in portraying the small lamps of the city doors and on the ships that are glowing dots of light on the shimmering sea. The dramatic effect present in Romanticism is magnified here by the great contrast of shadow and the parts of the painting bathed in moonlight. This is where the mastery of the artist lies: in creating that tension between the light and shadow. In this way, the moonlit scene gets elevated in an aesthetic sense. The colours are dark and muted, except for the bright beacon of the moon and the light it sheds on the scene. The water also scatters the light of the moon further beyond and frames the moon turning it into one of the subjects of interest in the image. There are also fishermen and other coastal men in the painting, bringing in their catch and standing around the boats and the fire. They add the feeling of the bustle of city life with people around at all times, going about their business under the light of the moon. This painting shows off the mastery of the artist while presenting his adoration of the city as he lovingly recreates the view in front of him under the light of the moon.
Shchedrin’s nocturnal view of Naples presents Santa Lucia under soft moonlight, creating a peaceful yet dramatic Romantic atmosphere. Dark, muted colours contrast with glowing lamps, fires, and reflections across the water. Fishermen and coastal workers animate the waterfront, balancing stillness with everyday activity. The painting demonstrates Shchedrin’s mastery of light and shadow while expressing his deep affection for Naples.
