Rome Year 1840 / Vicinanza D’ostia / Andrea Gasparini / Watercolor

Andrea Gasparini (19th century) – Buffaloes in the marshes near the Castle of Julius II, Ostia. This superb watercolour, signed lower right and dated Roma 1840 in the centre, measures 17 x 23 cm. Glued to the corners and annotated Vicinanza d’Ostia in brown ink on the mounting sheet, it depicts a peaceful scene of buffaloes resting and bathing in the marshes near the Castle of Julius II in Ostia, near Rome.
The harmonious composition combines lush vegetation, a calm watercourse and a background dominated by the historic castle, anchoring the scene in a place steeped in history. The artist subtly uses watercolour to render the nuances of light, the textures of the buffaloes’ skin and the reflections in the water, creating a realistic and immersive atmosphere.
The depiction of buffalo in an Italian landscape is rare and historically, their presence in the marshes of Lazio has been documented since the Middle Ages, although rarely illustrated in art. The Castle of Julius II at Ostia, a Renaissance monument designed to defend the mouth of the Tiber, adds a fascinating contrast between the historic architecture and the pastoral scene, reinforcing the interest of the work.
Gasparini’s mastery of watercolour, his attention to detail and his subtle palette bring a touch of realism and poetry to the scene, offering a valuable insight into rural life around Rome in the 19th century.
This work is distinguished by its rarity and originality, combining an iconic historical site with a local wildlife scene, making it both artistic and documentary. It captures a snapshot of the Ostia region before the modern transformations of Italy, offering a valuable historical perspective.