An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
The Element of Waterc. 1576-1577
Artist: Francesco da Ponte (Francesco Bassano); Artist: Jacopo da Ponte (Jacopo Bassano)
Italian (Venice), 1549–1592
56 11/16 x 74 5/8 in. (143.99 x 189.55 cm) (canvas)
66 1/2 x 83 5/8 in. (168.91 x 212.41 cm) (outer frame)
91 7/8 in. (233.36 cm) (diagonal, upper right to lower left)
91 9/16 in. (232.57 cm) (diagonal, upper left to lower right)
Oil on canvas
Painting
Italy
16th century
Bequest of Miss Tessie Jones, by exchange, the Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fund, and the John R. Van Derlip Fund
As dawn breaks gently over the horizon, the world stirs awake, cradled in the warmth of early light. On the banks of a shimmering river, a lively fish market springs to life—a vivid tableau of color and motion. Here, assorted seafood glistens under the soft embrace of sunlight, each catch part of a glorious display orchestrated by diligent vendors. Their hands, weathered yet skilled, move deftly as they arrange their bountiful offerings, coaxing in curious passersby with the promise of fresh delights.
Nearby, the rhythm of daily life unfolds in harmonious layers. Women chatter while laundering vibrant fabrics, their laughter punctuating the air with joy. Ferries drift lazily across the water, their wooden hulls creaking softly, carrying families and goods alike. Overhead, the faint glimmer of indulgence—we see drinkers, refreshingly at ease—partaking in the morning’s simple pleasures, their spirits lifted like the mist rising from the river.
Dominating the sky, Neptune, the majestic god of the sea, commands his chariot, a reminder of the deep, unseen currents that bind life to water. His presence looms large yet serene, an eternal witness to the ebb and flow of existence—a gentle guardian watching over this bustling scene.
This is not merely an ordinary moment; it’s a reimagining of pastoral life crafted with care. The luminous landscape, rich with detail and life, unfolds like a storybook, filled to the brim with intrigue. It speaks of innovation, borne from the hands of Jacopo Bassano and his son Francesco, artists who pushed the boundaries of how nature and humanity intersect in art.
Their family workshop hums with creativity, producing a series of breathtaking landscapes—a symphony of the seasons, the elements, the months, and ancient biblical tales. In this particular masterpiece, scholars believe it is Francesco who weaves the narrative, intertwining the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, transcending mere representation to delve into a deeper truth.
As the last tendrils of night retreat before the dawn’s tender embrace, this scene unfurls—a testament to the intricate dance of life on the riverbank, echoing the eternal stories that bind us all.
About the artist
Inspiring wonder through the power of art. The Minneapolis Institute of Art enriches the community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.
The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.
Address: 2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
The best place to view Minneapolis Institute of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.