A Torrent at Tivoli
- Artist: Simon Denis
- Date: about 1789-93
- Medium: Oil on paper laid on a plastic support
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is "A Torrent at Tivoli" by Simon Denis. Painted in the late 18th century, this beautiful piece captures the raw power of nature. The painting depicts a scene from Tivoli, probably created as part of a larger study or even as an end in itself.
Notice how Denis conveys the dynamics of water flowing over rocks, showcasing its translucent quality and the shadows it casts beneath its surface. It's clear he was fascinated by the play of light on this natural phenomenon. The use of oil on paper gives the painting a sense of delicacy, yet the subject matter remains robust and intense.
Simon Denis was likely inspired by the beauty of Tivoli, which was a popular destination for artists during his time. This painting is a great example of how he captured the essence of what he saw in front of him, creating an image that still draws us in today.
See it in person
A Torrent at Tivoli 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.
