Gustaf Söderberg – The Grotto of Posilipo, Naples Metropolitan Museum: part 3

The canvas presents a constricted view into what appears to be a man-made grotto or tunnel, likely situated within a landscape of considerable antiquity. The composition is dominated by verticality; towering walls of rough-hewn stone define the space, their surfaces textured with patches of moss and clinging vegetation. These walls are rendered in warm earth tones – ochres, siennas, and umbers – that suggest age and exposure to the elements.
A significant portion of the left wall is obscured by a dense curtain of ivy, its leaves painted with an almost tactile quality. This foliage partially veils the stone behind it, creating a sense of mystery and hinting at nature’s persistent reclamation of human constructions. The right-hand wall displays more visible signs of decay – cracks, discoloration, and areas where plaster has peeled away, revealing the underlying brickwork.
At the terminus of the grotto, an arched opening leads to what seems to be a brighter exterior space. This aperture is framed by further vegetation, suggesting a continuation of the natural world beyond the confines of the artificial structure. A small figure can be discerned within this distant area, adding a sense of scale and human presence without dominating the scene.
The ground plane, rendered in muted browns and yellows, slopes gently downwards, leading the viewer’s eye towards the vanishing point at the arched opening. A low stone wall runs along the foreground, providing a visual anchor and further emphasizing the depth of the space. The lighting is uneven; strong sunlight illuminates portions of the walls and floor, while other areas remain shrouded in shadow, contributing to the dramatic effect and enhancing the sense of enclosure.
The painting evokes a feeling of solitude and contemplation. It speaks to themes of time’s passage, the interplay between nature and human endeavor, and the enduring power of the landscape to absorb and transform even the most deliberate constructions. The limited perspective and muted palette contribute to an atmosphere of quiet melancholy and understated grandeur.