Gezicht op een deel van het keizerlijk zomerpaleis in Chengde (Jehol) te China 1711 - 1723

This is Matteo Ripa's etching of a section of the Imperial Summer Palace in Chengde, China. The composition invites us to trace the network of finely etched lines defining the space. Observe the subdued monochrome palette that emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow, structuring the landscape. The tranquil lake dominates the view, flanked by meticulously detailed mountains and architectural structures. Ripa uses line and form to convey a sense of depth and perspective, yet, in doing so, he captures the essence of Chinese landscape aesthetics, focusing on harmony and balance. The carefully constructed composition guides the viewer's eye. The architectural forms are neatly integrated within the natural setting to highlight an idealized vision of imperial life and landscape. Through the artwork's formal qualities, we see Ripa engaged with the cultural and philosophical themes of his time, offering us a glimpse into a world that merges the representational with the symbolic.