Foreshortened or Trompe L'Oeil View of the Architecture Surrounding a Courtyard 1657 - 1743

Ferdinando Galli Bibiena's "Foreshortened or Trompe L'Oeil View of the Architecture Surrounding a Courtyard" is a masterful example of architectural drawing. Bibiena, an Italian architect and stage designer, was known for his innovative use of perspective, creating the illusion of vast spaces and elaborate structures on a two-dimensional surface. This drawing, executed in pen and wash, showcases Bibiena's skill in manipulating perspective to create a sense of depth and grandeur, emphasizing the intricate details of the architectural elements. The artwork, which is held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, provides viewers with a glimpse into the architectural style and artistic techniques popular in the 17th and 18th centuries.