The Shadow of Poinsinet 1773

"The Shadow of Poinsinet," an etching by Charles Michel Campion (1734-1784), depicts a grand architectural structure set against a backdrop of a serene, expansive landscape. The meticulous detail of the building, with its numerous windows and symmetrical design, is contrasted by the flowing, soft texture of the clouds above. The figures in the foreground, though small, add a sense of scale and human activity to the composition. This work, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, is a beautiful example of 18th-century French etching, demonstrating Campion's skill in capturing both the grandeur of architecture and the tranquility of nature.