Sujets

Landscape Scenery with Ruins

Many elements of the countries with ancient cultures - like Greece or Italy - which fascinated the educated travellers at the beginning of the 18th century are united in this miniature: A building modelled on the Colosseum in Rome, a pyramid and the entrance area of a temple are placed next to a big fountain, in front of which several persons are gathered. Although this composition is a mere product of the artist`s fantasy, it is sure that its variety was highly appreciated. Connoisseurs of the classical antiquity could not only recognize their own ideas of Italy, Greece or Egypt, but were even inspired to revive reminiscences of their own journeys. The accurate representation of the ruins seems rather to be drawn than painted with gouache. Actually, the picture distinguishes itself through its noticable three-dimensional depth; the illumination makes the lively scene even more tangible. Due to the artistic qualities of the painter (probably a Frenchman), it is fair to assume that he was not only a miniaturist, but an etcher, as well.