Tusculum (Frascati) vanuit het Zuidwesten 1648 - 1671

Jan de Bisschop made this brown ink drawing of Frascati, Italy, in the mid-17th century. What might seem like a simple landscape actually reflects changing cultural values of the period. The popularity of landscape art surged as a new wealthy merchant class gained prominence in the Netherlands and elsewhere. Unlike religious or historical scenes favored by the aristocracy, landscapes celebrated the beauty and bounty of the natural world, aligning with the values of this rising class. Moreover, Dutch artists held an increasing interest in Italian landscapes as the physical embodiment of historical erudition. De Bisschop himself traveled extensively throughout Italy, and was interested in classical antiquity. Looking at this drawing, we can see how the soft washes and delicate lines evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony, appealing to a growing desire for peaceful contemplation. To understand this artwork fully, we can explore the economic conditions of 17th-century Netherlands and the changing role of art patronage. The Rijksmuseum's archives would be a good place to start.