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Lot 35
Thomas Luny (1759-1837)
Fishermen casting their nets off a lighthouse in the Strait of Messina, with Mt. Etna beyond
Closed21 May 2008
Price Realised
GBP 1,500
More Information
Specialist note
The famous Strait of Messina separates Calabria from the island of Sicily. A natural whirlpool develops at the entrance to the Strait, making this passage a particularly dangerous one. In legend, this was the home of Scylla and Charybdis, sea monsters who dwelled on either side of the narrow passage, Scylla on the Calabrian side and Charybdis on the Sicilian side, drowning sailors who passed too close to one or the other.
There has been a long-running controversy in Italy about building a bridge across the Strait, which is technically feasible but would be very expensive. As of May 2006, the idea has been shelved by the government.
There has been a long-running controversy in Italy about building a bridge across the Strait, which is technically feasible but would be very expensive. As of May 2006, the idea has been shelved by the government.