Ponte Molle, Rome c. 18th century

Claude-Joseph Vernet made this watercolor drawing of the Ponte Molle in Rome during his time in Italy in the 18th century. The image is a picturesque view of a bridge, but it also suggests the layers of history and culture that shaped Rome, one of Europe's great historic cities. The bridge itself, originally built by the Romans, had been rebuilt many times, and was a site of both historical battles and religious significance, as well as a vital piece of infrastructure used for transporting goods. Vernet's choice of subject reflects a growing interest in the city, both for its ancient past, and as a popular destination for wealthy European tourists. His image invites us to consider the complex relationship between art, tourism, and the construction of cultural identity in 18th-century Europe. To understand the history of this artwork and its cultural meaning, one might explore sources such as period travel guides, social histories of Rome, and records of the Académie de France, which supported French artists working in Italy at the time.