View of the Tiber in the Campagna 1652

Jan Dirksz Both created this print of the Tiber River using etching. The composition is structured by contrasting textures and tones, from the dense foliage on the left to the open sky on the right. This creates a sense of depth and invites the eye to traverse the scene. The landscape is rendered with precise lines, a testament to the etching process, which also adds to the clarity and detail. The way Both articulates space through line and form echoes broader artistic and philosophical concerns of his time, reflecting a world that is both knowable and infinitely complex. The play of light and shadow does not just depict a physical space but also engages the viewer in a perceptual experience. Consider how the structural use of light and shadow challenges our perception. The interplay between these elements emphasizes the artwork's role in not just representing a view, but also shaping one.