Landschap met figuren bij ruïne 1613 - 1695

Nicolas Perelle created this print called “Landscape with Figures by a Ruin” some time in the late 17th century. It depicts figures by a ruin. But more than this, it speaks to the cultural obsession with classical antiquity in France at this time. As France consolidated its empire, intellectuals looked back to Roman civilization. Artists like Perelle reflected this by including Roman-style ruins in their landscapes. This imagery was used to legitimize France’s claims to power. Classical ruins signaled the country's refinement, education, and its links to a prestigious lineage. It was a strategic visual message that helped the aristocracy create an image of power and sophistication. To understand the political messages that this artwork promotes, you might want to consider the history of French Colonialism in this period. Exploring the archives of institutions such as the Royal Academy could also shed light on the cultural politics of 17th century France.