Gaspare Traversi

Naples 1722–1770 Rome

A masterful storyteller who brought an acerbic wit to scenes from everyday life, Gaspare Traversi was one of most original painters in the eighteenth century in Italy. Born in Naples, Traversi was apprenticed as a youth to the elderly Francesco Solimena, as well as carefully studying the works of the naturalist painters of the seventeenth century available to him in his native city, from Preti and Ribera to Caracciolo and Francanzano. From 1752 Traversi spent a great deal of time in Rome, residing alternately there and in Naples.

Works

• Card Players — c. 1756–58