Gezicht bij Tivoli 1816

Abraham Teerlink drew this view near Tivoli with pencil in 1854. This seemingly simple landscape drawing connects to a broader social history of tourism and artistic practice. In the 19th century, Tivoli, near Rome, was a popular destination for artists and wealthy Europeans on the Grand Tour. They sought the picturesque landscapes and classical associations that Italy offered. Teerlink, a Dutch artist, captures a serene vista. But this image is more than just a personal record. It reflects the cultural values of the time. The Rijksmuseum, where this drawing is housed, is an institution that shapes how we understand Dutch art and its relationship to European culture. By studying travelogues, letters, and other archival materials, we can better understand the social rituals and artistic conventions that informed Teerlink’s work. The meaning of this drawing is contingent on its historical and institutional context.