The Cascatelle (Small Cascade) at Tivoli
Artist
Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi
(Italian, 1606-1680)
Datec. 1656
CultureItalian
MediumPen and brown ink over traces of graphite
ClassificationDrawings
Credit LineMuseum purchase, 1966
Object numberSN802
After studying in Bologna in the circle of the Carracci, Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi moved to Rome where he became immersed in the rich tradition of classical landscape painting. He also worked as an architect, and in 1656 he became involved in the construction of the chapel of the Immaculate Conception in Tivoli. In this drawing, likely produced during his three years in Tivoli, Grimaldi seems to delight in his training both as an architect and as a draftsman. This is evident in the carefully organized geometric buildings and in the confidence with which he executes each line. Combining this with his keen interest in topographical accuracy, Grimaldi creates a piece in which the viewer is able to imagine the rush of the Tiber River, the falls, and the brilliance of the Italian countryside.
On View
Not on viewFRAMED: 16 3/4 x 18 5/8 in. (42.5 x 47.3 cm)
18th century
circa 1840
Joachim Antonisz Wtewael
16th Century
