Artwork
Double Arched Bridge
Double Arched Bridge is an ink print by the Baroque artist Crescenzio Onofri. It dates from 1696 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Crescenzio Onofri’s 1696 etching titled Double Arched Bridge presents a quiet rural scene centered on a stone bridge with two arches. The structure spans a modest stream, its banks lined with trees and low vegetation. A solitary figure tends to a field in the foreground, reinforcing the composition’s tranquil atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts an everyday landscape, emphasizing the harmony between human activity and nature. The farmer’s labor, set against the still water and foliage, suggests a timeless, pastoral rhythm, while the bridge serves as a focal point that unites the surrounding elements into a cohesive, peaceful setting.
Technique & Style
Executed in etching, the piece relies on fine line work to convey texture and depth. Onofri’s handling of cross‑hatching creates subtle tonal variations that model the stone of the bridge, the rippling water, and the foliage, producing a layered visual field characteristic of late‑Baroque printmaking.
History & Provenance
Created in 1696, the etching belongs to the later phase of the Baroque period, when printmaking was a primary means of disseminating landscape imagery. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work has been cited in catalogues of Italian printmakers of the 17th century, confirming its attribution to Onofri.
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