ROSA, Salvator
(b. 1615, Arenella, d. 1673, Roma)

Grotto with Cascades

1639-40
Oil on canvas, 65 x 49 cm
Galleria Palatina (Palazzo Pitti), Florence

Its ancient, monumental scale dwarfing the transient humans, this natural rock formation is rendered awesome by the contrast between effulgent light and deep shadows. The scene, with rushing cascade, is not quiet.