Tivoli and the Roman Campagna 1820

Johann Adam Klein captured this watercolor view of Tivoli and the Roman Campagna sometime in the early 19th century. Here we see a quaint Italian town nestled atop a hill, overlooking a seemingly endless landscape. The Roman Campagna, with its historical weight, was often depicted as a symbol of Italy's glorious past. However, Klein’s vision moves away from the idealized landscapes popular at the time. The image captures the everyday lives of the inhabitants rather than any classical splendor. In contrast to academic landscapes exhibited in the salons, this is an intimate work which emphasizes the beauty of ordinary life, hinting at the social and economic realities of the region. Historical societies and local archives can give us a glimpse into the socio-economic context of Tivoli. By exploring such resources, we can better understand the artistic choices made by Klein and the vision of Italy he wished to convey.