Gezicht op Rome met de Ponte Sisto over de rivier de Tiber 1729

This is Jacobus Baptist's view of Rome with the Ponte Sisto over the Tiber, an engraving on paper made around the turn of the 18th century. The composition is structured by the horizontal flow of the river, crossed by the strong, rhythmic arches of the Ponte Sisto. Baptist’s use of linear perspective draws the eye deep into the urban landscape, while the detailed rendering of architectural forms, from the imposing buildings to the distant dome, creates a dense, visually rich surface. The figures populating the foreground and bridge introduce a sense of scale and human activity. The tonal range, achieved through fine lines, creates depth and suggests light playing across the water and stone. Consider how the artist employs a visual language rooted in precision and detail to construct not just a representation of Rome, but a carefully ordered vision of urban life and architectural grandeur. This piece invites us to reflect on how such formal elements shape our understanding of place and representation in art.