Ruïnes 1830 - 1899

"Ruïnes" is an etching by Belgian artist Alexander Schaepkens, created between 1830 and 1899. The artwork, which depicts the ruins of a grand archway, is held in the Rijksmuseum. The detailed hatching and cross-hatching of the etching create a sense of depth and texture, capturing the crumbling stone and the ethereal light that illuminates the scene. The small figures in the foreground emphasize the scale of the ruins and add a touch of human presence to the otherwise desolate landscape. Schaepkens's work captures the Romantic fascination with the past and the evocative power of ruins.