Ruines de Cumes 1720 - 1762

"Ruines de Cumes" (1720-1762), an etching by Quentin Pierre Chedel, depicts the ruins of Cumae, an ancient Greek city in southern Italy. The artwork captures the crumbling grandeur of the ancient site, showcasing the weathered columns and arches, as well as the surrounding foliage. Chedel's detailed rendering evokes a sense of both decay and enduring power, reflecting the enduring influence of classical architecture. The inscription at the bottom adds to the historical context, revealing the artist's interest in the ancient world. This artwork is an example of the Romantic interest in ruins and the past, and is part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.