Italian Landscape

A warm, golden light falls over this landscape that has a touch of Italy about it. Two groups of travellers are passing each other on a narrow path; on the left a third group approaches. In the valley below, a bridge bathes in the sunlight. The trees in the foreground and the cooler colours in the distance provide a wonderful sense of depth.

As a young man, Jan Both lived in Italy for a number of years with his brother Andries. He was captivated by the Italian countryside, and its golden light. After returning to the Netherlands, Both continued to paint these kinds of Italian landscapes. As such, he is counted among the Italianate painters.