The Fountain in the Ruins 1765

"The Fountain in the Ruins" is an etching by Louis Joseph Masquelier, created in 1765. The print depicts a serene scene of a fountain set within the ruins of an ancient structure, likely Roman. The central figure, a woman, sits on a stone pedestal, her serene demeanor reflecting the tranquility of the natural setting. The ruined arch and surrounding trees add a sense of antiquity and grandeur to the composition. The etching is a fine example of the Romantic style, which often depicted idealized landscapes and ruins, reflecting a fascination with the past and the beauty of nature. It is housed in the Art Institute of Chicago.