Costume at Procida-Naples (1818)

Isaac Weld's evocative painting "Costume at Procida-Naples," dating from 1818, transports viewers to the picturesque southern coast of Italy, introducing them to the traditional costumes and daily life of Procida, a small island near Naples. The painting captures three women in vibrant, traditional attire, each outfit adorned with distinctive patterns and colors.The scene is set against an architectural backdrop that includes a pale building distinguished by arched windows and stone staircases, typical of the Mediterranean architecture of the time. The woman on the left, facing away from the viewer to admire the building, wears a white blouse and a long, burnt orange skirt, holding a ceramic jug that suggests her involvement in daily chores or a water fetching activity. Her attire is complemented by a headscarf, adding a practical yet stylish element to her ensemble.The central figure, depicted in profile, stands with an enigmatic expression. She is dressed in a tailored green jacket and a dark skirt, lined with a splash of decorative yellow and red trim at the hem. Her look is completed by a headscarf and a richly patterned shawl, suggesting a sense of wealth or status.The third woman, turned away from the viewer, also wearing a green overcoat and covered with a headscarf, gazes out towards the sea, possibly hinting at the longing or the daily wait for someone's return. This figure stands near what appears to be a coastal edge, with hints of cliffs and a distant sail visible under the canopy of a stripped awning, which lends an air of leisure and respite from the sun.