Franz Richard Unterberger (Austrian, 1837-1902) Riviera di Santa Lucia (Naples) Oil on canvas 39-1/2 x 67 inches (100.3 x 170.2 cm) Signed lower left: FR Unterberger Property from the Estate of Kenneth Alan Hill, Sr., Fort Worth, Texas PROVENANCE: M.S. Rau Fine Art, New Orleans, Louisiana; Acquired by the present owner from the above, 2020. Monumental in size and artistry, the present work, Riviera di Santa Lucia (Naples), is a particularly exceptional example of Franz Richard Unterberger's most coveted Italian views. Despite the scale, the work radiates intimacy, as the viewer seemingly stumbles upon a group of Romani people, huddled around a fire on the shore of the Bay of Naples. The atmospheric effects of the scene are masterfully executed — the low moon illuminates the mountainous landscape in the distance, while a warm, dull, glow of the fire permeates the foreground. Few other works by Unterberger achieve this level of mastery on such a grand scale. Ribbons of white moonlight in the background perfectly frame the scene, while a golden yellow glow of the bonfire adds to the atmospheric quality of the painting. Not only does Unterberger show his talent for genre painting but also his skill for landscapes. We would like to thank Dr. Sybille Karin Moser-Ernst for kindly confirming the authenticity of this lot, which is accompanied by her letter. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved