A sharp narrative painting within the local waters of the Bay of Naples by the elder member of the De Simone family of artists, this scene of a large British Warship firing a single gun salute is excellent with its vivid coloration and perfectly proportioned subjects. The Mediterranean composition by Italian artist Tomaso de Simone shows sailors in rowed boats beneath the anchored Second Rate Warship. The complete narrative scene is elevated with a nice view of the Mount Vesuvius headland and the city, at a distance spanning close to ten miles between them.
The smoke rises, volcanic ash and cannon powder both airborne, and the sailors and residents take note, aided by the undoubtably booming resound of the salute. The ceremonial firing is a carry-over from the days when a foreign warship would fire all of her guns before entering a harbor so its friendly intentions would be known due to the reload time of the guns. By the 19TH Century, the changing of the colors would draw a single-gun salute, as would a "Rogue's Salute" of a single gun marking the beginning of an onboard court martial.
Atmospherically, this work is a joy, with its broad headland of classic buildings and the volcano. The harbor has several sailing craft in view, and another British warship that is at a restful anchorage closer to shore and the ancient city of Naples. The crisp coloration and great detail by the artist make this a desirable oil painting of multiple topographical and naval subjects.
