Artwork
The Molle Bridge over the Tiber
The Molle Bridge over the Tiber is a print by the Baroque artist Jan Both. It dates from 1644 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Jan Both’s 1644 etching, titled The Molle Bridge over the Tiber, presents a bustling river crossing rendered in fine line work. The print is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art and exemplifies the artist’s interest in architectural and landscape subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts an aged stone bridge spanning the Tiber, its arches supported by weathered masonry and metal ties. Pedestrians, a horse‑drawn cart, and a small boat anchored on the bank suggest everyday activity, while the clustered rocks and vegetation frame the scene, hinting at the river’s role as a commercial thoroughfare.
Technique & Style
Both employs precise, sharply cut lines to delineate the bridge’s structural details, while deep, cross‑hatched shadows give the water’s surface a rippling texture. The contrast of light and dark creates a pronounced sense of depth, aligning the work with the dramatic chiaroscuro typical of Baroque printmaking.
History & Provenance
Created in the mid‑17th century, the etching entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the early 20th century. Its provenance traces back to European collections, reflecting the continued interest in Both’s depictions of Italian scenery among connoisseurs of Dutch landscape art.
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.
