Project d'une Grotte (Plan for a Grotto) c. 1755 - 1760

"Project d'une Grotte" (Plan for a Grotto), an etching created by Johann Esaias Nilson (1721-1788) around 1755-1760, showcases a fantastical design for a grotto. The print features elaborate ornamentation in the Rococo style, including intricate scrolls, foliage, and a central fountain. The figure of a seated woman, possibly a nymph or goddess, adds a sense of elegance and mystery. This detailed plan, with its emphasis on natural forms and graceful curves, exemplifies the Rococo aesthetic and offers insight into the architectural and decorative aspirations of the era.