Plein in de stad Nardo 1778

Editor: Here we have Louis Ducros's "Plein in de stad Nardo," created in 1778. It’s an ink drawing. The classical architecture has this solemn, quiet air, but the people seem kind of frozen. What do you see when you look at this piece? Curator: Oh, frozen, like statues! It’s almost a stage set, isn’t it? Ducros was a master of atmosphere. He captures Nardo’s elegance, but…it's missing something, perhaps a touch of the chaos of everyday life? The neo-classical love of order bordering on rigidity! What do you think, does that statue remind you of any Greek goddess in particular? I feel like there should be a lyre and theatrical masks nearby. Editor: I see what you mean. There is something staged about it. Those figures seem placed just so. But also, is Ducros commenting on that rigidity? He almost makes it dreamlike, with the monochromatic ink. Curator: Dreamlike is a great word! Like a memory, or perhaps a wish. I wonder if he’s critiquing or idealizing. Perhaps both at once? It reminds me of those architectural fantasies of Piranesi. Did they have any shared influences at the time, perhaps a famous philosopher? This could be interpreted from a social stance. It reminds me how cities create this kind of setting for social gathering. Editor: It's funny you say dream, because, for me, those Piranesi works often felt like nightmares. Now, this feels more like a really pleasant afternoon nap! Curator: Ah, different dreams! Perhaps Ducros offers a more optimistic take? It’s fascinating how art speaks differently to each of us. It just shows how each eye changes what it sees. Thank you, this really made me consider some of the feelings behind Ducros' composition.