Twee tekenaars bij het Nymphaeum van Egeria in het Caffarella Park bij Rome 1796

Francis Jukes created this aquatint depicting two artists at the Nymphaeum of Egeria near Rome. The image is interesting for what it reveals about the cultural life of the late 18th century. The ruined nymphaeum, a popular subject for artists, conjures with the picturesque aesthetic. The architecture of the ancient world, as well as its mythology, was a source of inspiration to artists working in Britain. Consider the way the artists are positioned within the scene. The artist in this period was not simply representing the world but actively shaping it. The presence of the artists reminds us that this view is mediated and constructed. To understand this image fully, we might consult travel journals, architectural treatises, and collections of prints. Through historical context we begin to grasp the social conditions that shaped this artistic creation.