A Sporting Contest on the Tiber
- Artist: Claude-Joseph Vernet
- Date: 1750
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is "A Sporting Contest on the Tiber" by Claude-Joseph Vernet. Painted in 1750, this large oil on canvas work showcases the artist's ability to capture a sense of grandeur and energy.
As you look at the painting, notice how the Tiber River flows into the distance, with the imposing Castel Sant'Angelo standing proudly on the right-hand side. The event depicted here is not specifically identified, but it's clear that it's an official form of entertainment that drew large crowds.
Take a closer look at the two boats in the foreground - one bears the arms of Pope Benedict XIV, who was the reigning pontiff at the time. And if you look closely, you might be able to pick out some interesting details about the people in the painting... but I won't give too much away just yet.
Vernet's use of light and color is really striking here - the ruined remains of an ancient bridge can be seen in the middle of the river, and the clock on Castel Sant'Angelo reads 8 a.m. But if you look at the light, it's clear that it's actually mid-morning.
This painting was one of four sent from Rome to the Paris Salon in 1750, where it would have been seen by some of the most influential art lovers and critics of the time.
See it in person
A Sporting Contest on the Tiber hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
