Landschap met ruïne en jonge ezeldrijver 1728 - 1786

Claude Henri Watelet's "Landschap met ruïne en jonge ezeldrijver" is a print created between 1728 and 1786, depicting a young boy tending to a donkey burdened with a heavy load. The print showcases Watelet's talent for capturing everyday scenes, highlighting the hardships faced by common folk. The composition, with its stark lines and contrasting light and shadow, evokes a sense of realism that was characteristic of the 18th-century. The backdrop of a crumbling ruin adds a touch of melancholic beauty to the scene, drawing parallels between the boy's humble existence and the decaying grandeur of the past. The work is a fine example of the artistic movement known as Rococo, which sought to express elegance and refinement through its focus on delicate details and natural themes.