Italiaans landschap met ruïnes 1610 - 1657

Bartholomeus Breenbergh made this Italian landscape with ruins using pen and brown ink, with brown wash. The artist was one of many Northern European artists who traveled to Italy to study classical antiquity and the Italian landscape. This drawing reflects the fascination with ancient Rome that captivated artists and intellectuals of the 17th century. We see the romanticism of ruins, overgrown with nature, as symbols of a glorious past. During this period, artists often depicted the Italian landscape as an idyllic setting, emphasizing its beauty and historical significance. However, these images often overlooked the social and economic realities of the time, including issues of poverty and inequality. This idealized view of Italy contributed to a narrative of European cultural superiority, often overshadowing the contributions and experiences of other cultures. How does this image shape or reflect societal issues, and what personal emotions does it evoke in you?