Italian Landscape with the Ponte Lucano over the Aniene River c. 1650 - 1652

This is Jan Both's Italian Landscape with the Ponte Lucano over the Aniene River, made in the mid-17th century. It captures a romantic vision of the Italian countryside, a popular theme among Northern European artists at the time. The painting uses a visual vocabulary that emphasizes harmony and order. The soft light, balanced composition, and idealized figures all contribute to a sense of classical serenity. The Ponte Lucano itself, an ancient Roman bridge, symbolizes the grandeur of the past and the continuity of civilization. Both was part of a wave of Dutch and Flemish artists who traveled to Italy, drawn by its rich history and picturesque landscapes. Their paintings catered to a growing market for Italianate scenes among wealthy collectors back home. To understand this work better, we can turn to travel accounts, artists’ biographies, and the records of the art market. By studying these sources, we can appreciate how this painting reflects the cultural exchange and artistic aspirations of its time.