Landschap met Romeinse ruïnes en obelisk 1727 - 1793

Leendert Brasser made this print, entitled "Landscape with Roman Ruins and Obelisk," using etching techniques sometime in the late 18th century. It is a timeless memento of The Grand Tour. In the 18th century, it became fashionable for young, upper-class Europeans to travel around the continent as a rite of passage. Italy, with its classical ruins, was a must-see destination. Prints like this one allowed tourists to take home images of famous sites like the Roman Forum, obelisks, and towers. Brasser catered to that market, creating detailed views that evoked a sense of history and the passage of time. The print's composition, with its combination of recognizable monuments and picturesque figures, embodies the era's fascination with classical antiquity and the desire to experience it firsthand. By studying the travel patterns, art market, and popular imagery of the time, we can better understand the social forces that shaped the production and consumption of art like this print. The Rijksmuseum's collection itself is an invaluable resource.