The Waterfalls at Tivoli 1761 - 1817

Daniël Dupré made this drawing, The Waterfalls at Tivoli, using pen and brown ink with a brown wash. The composition is dominated by cascading waterfalls set within a rugged, natural landscape. The artist uses varying tones of brown to define the forms, creating a sense of depth and texture across the rocky surfaces. Dupré skillfully directs the viewer's eye through the scene using the dynamic flow of the water. The contrast between the smooth, falling water and the rough, static rocks creates a visual rhythm. This play between fluidity and stability can be interpreted through the lens of structuralism. The waterfalls represent a state of constant change and motion. In contrast, the rocks stand as symbols of permanence and unyielding structure. Dupré invites us to observe the interplay between natural forces and enduring forms, prompting reflections on nature’s dual character.