Ruins of a Temple by a Lake 1644 - 1736

Etienne Allegrain's "Ruins of a Temple by a Lake," a captivating black chalk drawing, portrays a picturesque landscape with a prominent ruin in the foreground. This scene depicts a classical temple with remnants of columns and arches, hinting at a grand past. The ruins are surrounded by lush greenery, providing a stark contrast to the weathered stone. Two figures stand in the foreground, adding a human scale to the composition. The artwork is a fine example of the artist's ability to capture the beauty of the natural world and evoke a sense of contemplation and reflection. The drawing's detail and atmospheric qualities make it a notable example of 18th-century French landscape art. This particular drawing is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection in New York.