<Capriccio> with Ruins by Louis Jean Desprez

<Capriccio> with Ruins 1771

pencil drawn

photo of handprinted image

natural shape and form

light pencil work

pencil sketch

old engraving style

pen-ink sketch

pencil work

repetition of white colour

remaining negative space

<Capriccio> with Ruins is an etching created in 1771 by Louis Jean Desprez. The piece features a fantastical architectural ruin amidst a lush landscape, evoking a sense of romanticism and the picturesque. The artist, known for his architectural drawings, utilizes a detailed style to depict the crumbling structure, showcasing its intricate details and the effects of time. This artwork, now located in the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies the growing fascination with the past during the 18th century and serves as a testament to Desprez’s mastery of perspective and composition.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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This charming etching is characteristic of Desprez’s early works made in France before his Italian sojourn. As a trained architect, he was able to combine elements of classical buildings in an imaginary composition, or <capriccio>. Lush vegetation has taken over this ruin, adding to its poetic appeal. Later on, Desprez would draw inspiration for his stage sets from such architectural fantasies.