Offered by Antichità di Alina
Italian Landscape with Bridge, Tower, Shepherd, and Animals
Circle of Jan Both (Utrecht, 1618-1652)
Oil on canvas, 17th century
Dimensions: 63 x 85 cm
This 17th-century painting depicts an idealized Italian landscape, likely inspired by the countryside of Latium near Rome. At the center of the composition, a stone bridge crosses a tranquil river, connecting two banks adorned with lush vegetation and rocky formations. To the right of the bridge stands an ancient round tower, lending the work a pre-Romantic charm and evoking a timeless classical setting.
The rosy twilight sky, distinctly southern in character, bathes the scene in warm and delicate hues, contrasting with the darker skies often painted by Dutch artists in their homeland. This unique, vibrant, and poetic light captivated northern artists in Italy, inspiring them to reinterpret the Italian landscape with an idealized, almost Arcadian vision.
The scene is enlivened by pastoral figures: a shepherd leads a flock of sheep, followed by a woman on horseback, while cows and goats complete the procession. The meticulous attention given to the depiction of animals reflects the interest of Dutch painters active in Italy in pastoral themes, often inspired by Philipp Peter Roos (known as Rosa da Tivoli).
This painting can be attributed to the circle of Jan Both (Utrecht, 1618-1652), a Dutch painter renowned for his ability to blend northern naturalism with the luminous sensitivity of Italian landscapes. The rosy light of the sky, the balanced composition, and the architectural and natural details recall his style, while leaving the attribution cautious and open.
Frame:
The painting is presented in a carved wood and gilded plaster frame, dating to the 19th century, offering a touch of elegant sobriety.
Condition:
The work is in good condition, with bright and well-preserved colors that enhance the harmony and delicacy of the depicted scene.
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