The Temple of the Sibyl (or Vesta), seen here on the rocky outcrop above the thundering waterfall, was one of van Bloemen’s favoured motifs. The ruined structure appears on several occasions throughout van Bloemen’s oeuvre. The dramatic rock formations in the present picture, the foaming waters of the cascade and the dramatic contrast of brilliant patches of sunlight against deep shadows show something of the painter’s engagement with theories of the Sublime. Centring on notions that theorised the awe-inspiring and overwhelming power of nature, this proved a powerful concept for artist during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and van Bloemen’s dramatic landscape, marked by its distinct contrasts of light, shadow, proximity and distance is clearly situated within this intellectual framework.
Though Netherlandish by birth, van Bloemen (or l’Orrizonte as he later became known) spent the majority of his career in Italy. Inspired by the classicising landscapes of painters like Gaspard Dught, he created works which stemmed from the Flemish landscape tradition, filtered through the dynamic style of Italianate views and effects of light. Van Bloemen was considered one of the most successful landscapists in Rome during the early eighteenth century and was widely revered by his contemporaries. As well as his own independent practice, painters like Carlo Maratti, Placido Costanzi and Pompeo Batoni collaborated with him, adding the staffage to van Bloemen's landscapes.
Related Articles
Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.
You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
The canvas has been re-lined and maintains adequate tension. Examination in natural light shows slight abrasions to the edges of the canvas associated with frame wear. While there is minor abrasion to the paint surface, the modelling of the landscape and figures remains appreciable. Minor scattered retouching is visible in the darker tones and the sky. Examination under UV light confirms the aforementioned scattered retouching, with more extensive retouching to the lower lateral edge. There is an historic restored vertical tear of approximately 10 cm. to the edge of the canvas in the lower right hand corner.
Cost calculator
Lot 264Sale 18877
A capriccio of Tivoli with a waterfall and shepherdsJAN FRANS VAN BLOEMEN, CALLED L'ORIZZONTE (ANTWERP 1662-1749 ROME)Estimate: GBP 20,000 - 30,000
Enter your bid amount for an estimated cost
Bid amount
Please enter numbers onlyAmount must be higher than the starting bidAmount must be higher than the current bid