Grotten van San Pamarica in het dal van Notto 1781 - 1786

This etching by Emmanuel Jean de Ghendt depicts the "Grotten van San Pamarica in het dal van Notto" (Caves of San Pamarica in the valley of Notto), an ancient city in the Italian region of Abruzzo. Created between 1781 and 1786, the artwork showcases the artist's fascination with the ruins of the past. The scene presents a picturesque landscape with dramatic cliffs, a winding river, and a group of figures exploring the ruins, highlighting the beauty and mystique of ancient sites. The artist's meticulous attention to detail and the composition's emphasis on the ruins create a sense of grandeur and historical significance.