Gaspare Traversi

Bio

Traversi was born sometime between 1722 and 1724 in Naples. A Crucifixion dating from 1748 was produced there while he was working in the workshop of Solimena, from whom he received his initial training. His earlier works show the influence of Roman painting, particularly of Maratta, while at the same time he combined a form of Caravaggesque realism with the neo-baroque qualities of the mature Solimena. These characteristics are particularly evident in his large religious works for the Neapolitan church of S. Maria dell’Aiuto of 1749, his only documented work for his native city.

Early in his career he probably began to experiment with portraiture and genre scenes, following the notable success of Giuseppe Bonito, and like the latter his subject matter is often taken from the lives of the ordinary people and bourgeoisie.

By 1752 Traversi was working in Rome where he spent the remainder of his life, living in Trastevere and executing works for the Carmelites of S. Crisogono. There he was influenced by the work of Marco Benefial, with a move towards greater naturalism. He married and fathered a daughter in 1765, continuing to work for Roman and Neapolitan patrons throughout the remainder of his career. His popular genre scenes include subjects such as The Engagement or The First Dance, The Embroidery Class, The Five Senses, The Card Game and The Musical Party. These are all painted with considerable attention to details of dress and furnishings, providing an important record of contemporary life in Rome and Naples. His ability to command a variety of styles is demonstrated by paintings which are sometimes executed with great realism but on other occasions done in a more generalised manner, with an acute sense of Caravaggesque chiaroscuro.