Artwork
Two Cows near the River at Tivoli

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.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Dirksz Both was a Dutch painter, draughtsman, and etcher, who made an important contribution to the development of Dutch Italianate landscape painting.



















