Lot 2507 Dα

Goethe's diaries and letters occasionally mention the name of an artist whose works are exceedingly rare today: Carl Ludwig Kaaz. Goethe writes of how he often liked to consult with the young artist from Karlsruhe for advice about his own studies in painting. The poet maintained contact with the painter until his early death in 1810. This is proved not only in written sources, but also in a portrait of the poet which has been housed in the Goethe-Haus in Weimar since 1912.
Kaaz resided in Rome from 1802 to 1804 before moving to Dresden where he married Anton Graff's daughter Caroline. Even when living on the Elbe, Italian motifs remained prominent within his œuvre. Although he painted numerous works in oils which were well known at the time, his main speciality was gouache, and it was this medium in which Kaaz produced his finest works. This south Italian veduta in deep tones with the fuming Mount Vesuvius in the background is an especially fine example of his works, and perfectly exemplifies his early Neoclassical style. It is easy to understand how Goethe, who was also a great admirer of Hackert, was so impressed by his works.