Ham and figs

Pendant to the canvas depicting a head of salad and cucumbers, the small painting with ham and figs belongs to a series of six small paintings most probably executed by a young Giacomo Nani.

Exhibited since 1817 in the in the “speckled pink” colored room, in 1887 the painting was sent to the Royal Palace of Caserta «due to lack of space».

The series to which the work belongs depicts some of King Ferdinand IV's favourite dishes.

It is reported, in fact, that in 1790 – during the royal family's journey to attend the coronation of Emperor Leopold II, the brother of Queen Maria Carolina – the king, a lover of simple, natural foods, was attracted by the fresh, crusty bread sold in the square in Ariano, and asked for ham and figs for lunch in his carriage.