A Young Woman Giving Directions to a Person c. 1644 - 1680

This etching by Jean Le Pautre, created between 1644 and 1680, depicts a classical scene with two figures conversing in front of a ruined temple. The foreground focuses on the figures, one leaning on a staff while the other gestures with their hands, possibly giving directions. The crumbling columns and overgrown foliage create a sense of grandeur and decay, characteristic of Le Pautre's style. The composition emphasizes the architectural ruins, which are depicted with meticulous detail, highlighting the artist's interest in classical antiquity. The work, held by The Art Institute of Chicago, exemplifies the Baroque era's fascination with history and its use of light and shadow to create a dramatic and evocative atmosphere.