Artwork
The Arno
The Arno is a print by Job A.R.E. Nixon. It dates from 1926 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The 1926 print presents a panoramic view of Florence’s Arno River, with the iconic Ponte Vecchio spanning the water in the distance. Beyond the river, the gentle rise of the Tuscan hills frames the scene, creating a tranquil urban landscape.
Subject & Meaning
The composition captures a quiet riverside city, its tightly clustered buildings lining the banks. Small boats drift near the shore, while a few figures are depicted strolling or standing, suggesting everyday life along the waterway.
Technique & Style
Executed by hand, the print relies on precise line work to delineate rooftops, trees, and architectural details. Careful shading conveys the interplay of light and shadow, and the mixture of flat roofs with steep gables lends the image a slightly nostalgic character.
History & Provenance
Created in 1926, the work reflects early twentieth‑century interest in Italian scenery. It is part of a series of prints that document notable European locales, and it has been held in public collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, which houses comparable pieces.
Artist & collection
Artist
Job A.R.E. Nixon made quiet, atmospheric prints of rivers and towns in the 1920s. The bundle includes his 1926 etching The Arno, a calm view of the Italian river bending past buildings and bridges. It fits the period’s…
