Who painted The Wooden Bridge at Sulmona near Tivoli?

The Wooden Bridge at Sulmona near Tivoli was painted by Jan Both.

Where can I see The Wooden Bridge at Sulmona near Tivoli?

The Wooden Bridge at Sulmona near Tivoli is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Wooden Bridge at Sulmona near Tivoli?

The Wooden Bridge at Sulmona near Tivoli is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of The Wooden Bridge at Sulmona near Tivoli?

Museum-quality prints of The Wooden Bridge at Sulmona near Tivoli are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Wooden Bridge at Sulmona near Tivoli

Jan Both

The Wooden Bridge at Sulmona near Tivoli is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jan Both. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1700, this etching portrays a modest wooden bridge spanning a tranquil river in the Italian countryside near Sulmora and Tivoli. The composition is anchored by the bridge, flanked by densely detailed trees and a gently rolling landscape that recedes toward distant hills and a faint waterfall. The scene conveys a calm, everyday moment within a pastoral setting.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a slice of rural life, with a few figures strolling along the path beside the bridge, suggesting ordinary travel and communal interaction. The surrounding foliage and water are rendered to emphasize the harmony between human structures and the natural environment, reflecting an appreciation for the serene beauty of the Italian landscape.

Technique & Style

Executed in etching, the artist employs fine, controlled lines to differentiate textures: smooth, flowing strokes suggest the river’s surface, while sharper, angular lines define the trees’ leaves and trunks. This contrast creates a sense of depth and atmospheric perspective, characteristic of Dutch‑Italianate landscape conventions that blend northern detail with southern light.

History & Provenance

The piece is attributed to Jan Both, a Dutch painter and etcher noted for integrating Italianate motifs into his work after his travels in Italy. Though the original plate’s ownership record is limited, the print has been documented in several European collections, confirming its circulation among connoisseurs of early 18th‑century landscape prints.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Jan Both

Jan Dirksz Both was a Dutch painter, draughtsman, and etcher, who made an important contribution to the development of Dutch Italianate landscape painting.