Artwork

Two Cows near the River at Tivoli

Two Cows near the River at Tivoli, by Jan Both, ink
Two Cows near the River at Tivoli, by Jan Both, ink

Two Cows near the River at 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

Two Cows near the River at Tivoli is an etching by Jan Dirksz Both, created around 1700, exemplifying the Dutch Italianate landscape style. This print captures a serene riverside moment, characteristic of Both's work.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts two cows grazing by a riverbank near Tivoli, with a backdrop of a crumbling stone wall, ancient ruins, and a church tower visible through the trees. The scene conveys a sense of quiet solitude.

Technique & Style

Both employed fine, intricate lines to achieve textured effects, notably in the cows' fur and the river's water, which appear woven from tiny strokes. This meticulous technique added depth to the simple, pastoral composition.

History & Provenance

Created during Both's primary period of activity in Rome (1630s-1640s), this etching is part of his specialized output of Italianate landscapes featuring figures and animals. The exact provenance is not detailed here.

Context

As a Dutch artist working in Rome, Both blended Northern European artistic traditions with the scenic beauty of Italy, contributing to the Dutch Italianate landscape genre.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of *Two Cows near the River at Tivoli* are not provided, the work represents Both's contribution to the enduring appeal of Dutch Italianate landscapes in early modern European art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jan Both

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.