Landscape with Ruins c. 1740

Bernardo Bellotto's "Landscape with Ruins" (c. 1740), an etching, depicts a crumbling Roman structure in a landscape setting. The image showcases a classical ruin with a group of columns still standing. In the distance, a town is visible, further emphasizing the passage of time and the enduring presence of ancient architecture. Bellotto was a master of depicting architectural details, and this etching showcases his skill. This artwork is a prime example of the 18th-century interest in classical ruins and their evocative power.