Formal Garden with Fountain in Foreground n.d.

Bernard Picart was a French artist known for his detailed drawings of architecture, particularly gardens. This pen and wash drawing depicts a formal garden in the style of the 18th century. It is a perspectival view of a grand promenade with a fountain in the foreground. The fountain is framed by a classical archway, and the pathway leads the viewer through the garden to a distant gate and a mountainous backdrop. The garden is full of lush greenery and intricate detail, and the composition is elegant and harmonious. The Art Institute of Chicago houses this work, which is a small drawing at only 97 × 152 millimeters. This artwork is a fine example of the French architectural style, with its emphasis on symmetry and order. The formal garden was a popular subject in European art during this period, and Picart's drawing captures the beauty and sophistication of this design. This drawing is a charming example of a formal garden in the 18th century, and it offers a glimpse into the elegance and sophistication of the era.