Oswald Achenbach (1827–1905) was a cornerstone of the Düsseldorf School of Painting and one of Europe’s most revered landscape artists of the 19th century. A prodigy who entered the Düsseldorf Academy at just eight years old, he eventually became a professor there, shaping the next generation of painters. While his brother Andreas captured the stormy North, Oswald looked toward the sun-drenched landscapes of Italy. His work belongs to the Romantic and Realist movements, characterized by a masterful use of light, atmospheric depth, and vibrant color. He was famously patronized by European royalty, including Prince Albert and Napoleon III. His iconic works, such as "Fireworks in Naples" and his many views of the "Bay of Naples," are celebrated for their textured brushwork and peaceful, observant quality. Translating an Oswald Achenbach painting into a counted cross stitch design allows you to work with a warm, Mediterranean palette of terracotta, azure, and golden twilight hues. Stitching his Italian vistas evokes a deep sense of tranquility and wanderlust, capturing the "Golden Hour" of art history one thread at a time.