Gezicht op Lago d'Averno 1740 - 1807

Filippo Morghen created this view of Lago d'Averno as an engraving. The composition is structured around the lake itself, a vast, still plane that dominates the center, acting as a mirror reflecting the sky. The surrounding landscape is delineated with precise lines, the hills and ruins framing the water, guiding our vision toward the distant promontories. These receding layers create a sense of depth and perspective, while the figures in the foreground offer a human scale to the imposing vista. The tonal range, though monochromatic, is rich in variation, with the sky rendered through delicate hatching to suggest atmospheric depth. The artist's skill is evident in the detailed rendering of textures, from the rocky outcrops to the gentle ripples on the lake's surface. Morghen masterfully uses line and tone to evoke a mood of contemplative serenity. It invites us to consider the relationships between nature, history, and the human gaze.