Gezicht op de Tiber 1631 - 1661

Israel Silvestre created this etching, titled 'Gezicht op de Tiber,' without a specified date, capturing a view of the Tiber River. Silvestre, born in France in 1621, was part of a generation navigating religious and political tensions, which certainly influenced his artistic perspective. This print offers us a glimpse into 17th-century Rome, a city steeped in history yet bustling with contemporary life. Silvestre's choice to depict the Tiber is interesting. The river wasn't just a geographical feature; it was central to Rome's identity, a site of labor, transport, and daily life for many. Notice how Silvestre frames the scene. The composition isn't classically heroic, but rather captures a lived-in space. The presence of working boats and the water wheel speaks to the everyday activities of the Roman people. Silvestre isn't presenting a romanticized vision, but rather one that acknowledges the city's multifaceted nature. This print invites us to consider the stories of those whose lives were intertwined with the Tiber, offering a nuanced view of Rome beyond its grand monuments.