Invention d'une Cascade (Design for a Cascade) c. 1755 - 1760

"Invention d'une Cascade" (Design for a Cascade), an etching created by Johann Esaias Nilson around 1755-1760, depicts a picturesque garden scene. The central feature is a grand fountain, adorned with intricate carvings and surrounded by lush foliage. Two figures in elegant attire stand in the foreground, suggesting a social gathering in this idyllic setting. The use of perspective and detail in this print illustrates the Rococo style, popular in 18th century Europe, and its focus on ornamentation and lightheartedness.