The Bathers, Souvenir of the Banks of the Anio River at Tivolic. 1860/1861 · Study 1980.4

Context from the museum

Although painted in France, this work depicts bathers near Tivoli, a popular, parklike estate near Rome, famous for its fountains, picturesque hills, and lush forests. As was the custom for many artists of the 19th century, d'Aligny traveled to Italy to study. He remained there from 1825 until 1827, making careful drawings and oil sketches directly from the Roman countryside. He would often use these works to compose more finished paintings in his studio. Although d'Aligny visited Italy twice more, his last trip was in 1843. This painting, made years after that date, is therefore a true souvenir, that is, a recollection evoking his experiences in Italy

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected unframed measurement for The Bathers, Souvenir of the Banks of the Anio River at Tivoli is 41 cm wide and 37.5 cm high, equivalent to approximately 16.1 × 14.8 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 1.09:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.15 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 13.7% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 129.5 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With The Bathers, Souvenir of the Banks of the Anio River at Tivoli in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, oil on wood panel, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this horizontal composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 41 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?