William Wyld (1806-1889) was an English painter. Although he worked in oils, he is best known as a landscape watercolorist and played a critical part in developing watercolours as a medium in France.

 

He developed an interest in drawing at a young age. At age 20, his father passed away, but familial relations allowed for Wyld to be made the secretary to the British Consulate in Calais. However, when his family’s protector died in 1827, his diplomatic career could not continue since his studies had been interrupted too soon. Around this time, Wyld practised painting and drawing in France, where he became acquainted with Horace Vernet, the French Ambassador to the Court of Naples. Along with fellow student Richard Parkes Bonington, he was the pupil of Francois Louis Francia and spent most of his time in Paris.

 

Vernet encouraged Wyld to join him in Rome where they made a tour of the whole of Italy. He received commissions for paintings from Vernet’s entourage, further establishing Wyld as a great painter. He was first exhibited in 1839 at the Paris Salon for his work Venice at Sunrise, where he won the 1st Gold Medal in the third-class for it. His recognition continued to grow. In 1851 Queen Victoria commissioned paintings of Liverpool and Manchester to celebrate her visits there, which now reside in the Royal Collection.

 

The Bay of Naples is an extraordinary and highly detailed depiction of a commercial coastal village. It is one of Wyld’s most distinguished masterpieces. This work was almost certainly commissioned by a significant patron, possibly connected through Vernet.