Arcadian Landscape c. 1775

Giovanni David's "Arcadian Landscape" (c. 1775) is a watercolor on paper depicting a bucolic scene with figures. Set against the backdrop of a classical ruin, a man and a woman interact with a donkey and cows in a pastoral setting. The artist's use of soft, muted tones evokes a tranquil atmosphere, while the presence of classical architecture suggests a harmonious blend of nature and civilization, a central theme of the Arcadian ideal. This delicate watercolor, measuring 20.6 × 31 cm, exemplifies David's talent for capturing the beauty of rural life.