An artwork on Galleree from Rijksmuseum.
About the artwork
Italian Landscape with a Draughtsman, Jan Both, c. 1650 - 1652h 188.5cm × w 240.4cm
Jan Both
oil on canvas
In a serene grove, where the whispers of the forest weave through the air like a gentle lullaby, an artist settles before a cascading waterfall. The sight is mesmerizing; water tumbles over rocks, throwing light and laughter into the lush greenery surrounding it. Here, amidst the rustle of leaves and the hum of nature, he finds solace—a perfect canvas for his thoughts, a sanctuary for his sketches.
As he positions his tools, his gaze drifts toward the distant horizon. There, on the sunlit trail, weary travelers guide their mules, burdened yet resolute, toward a sprawling plain kissed by the warm embrace of the Mediterranean sun. Shimmering beneath the bright blue sky, the landscape glows, illuminating the journey of both man and beast—a story unfolding in golden rays.
This artist, drawn to the radiant light of Italy, spent countless hours in the heart of Rome, enchanted by its charm and beauty. The essence of this Mediterranean glow seeped into his being, igniting a passion within him that would linger long after his return to the Netherlands. With fervor, he sought to recreate the warmth of those Italianate landscapes, infusing his Dutch scenes with the golden palette that had captivated him—making distant shores feel close, the sun's embrace ever-present on his canvas.
In this tranquil moment by the waterfall, he sketches not only the world around him, but also his experiences, travels, and the memories etched in the colors of his heart. Each stroke breathes life into the stories he carries, weaving together the essence of Italy with the rich tapestries of his homeland. It is here, in this serene refuge, that he transforms fleeting moments into timeless art.
About the artist
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. We tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from 1200 to now. We showcase over 8,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. In addition, we organize several exhibitions per year from our own collection and with (inter) national loans. In the Rijksmuseum you get to know the greatest works of art down to the smallest details.The artwork posted on this site is through the museum's public domain/CC0 data and does not imply endorsement.
Address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The best place to view Rijksmuseum‘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.