Attilio Pratella (Italian, 1856-1949)

One of the most notable Neapolitan artists of the 19th and early 20th century, Pratella studied with Morelli and Palizzi in the Fine Art School of Naples. He exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1899 and at Berlin in 1894. Pratella has always been admired for his maritime scenes. The present work, depicting a man catching mussels, was executed with Pratella's characteristic high degree of detail and care. His works can be found at the Neapolitan Gallery of Capodimonte, the Gallery Ricci-Oddi in Piacenza, and at the Simiu Museum of Bucharest.