Fishing in the Tiber 16th-17th century

Curator: Adriaen Collaert created this intricate engraving, "Fishing in the Tiber," sometime between 1560 and 1618. It's currently held in the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It feels almost dreamlike. The stark contrast of the lines creates a vibrant scene, packed with figures, yet somehow still serene. Curator: The imagery speaks to Rome's self-perception. Look at the idealized figure of the river god Tiber, presiding over a bustling scene of commerce and labor. The print reflects the city's dependence on its waterway for sustenance and trade. Editor: I see the classical influence in the muscular forms and the focus on the human figure. The artist's skill in creating depth with simple lines is remarkable; note how the cityscape fades into the distance. Curator: It certainly underscores the importance of fishing to the Roman economy and the Tiber’s central role in Rome's historical narrative. Editor: It's amazing to consider how much narrative and visual complexity Collaert was able to achieve with such basic materials.