Architectural Fantasy c. 18th century

Guiseppe Valeriani created this pen and brown ink drawing, “Architectural Fantasy,” sometime between 1705 and 1761. Born in Rome, Valeriani, along with his brother, Domenico, found success in Russia, where they designed palaces and theaters. This sketch gives us insight into the aesthetic sensibilities that shaped imperial Russia. The arches and grand scale echo Roman ideals of power and order. We might consider how these architectural fantasies, rendered with such precision, served the political and social ambitions of the Russian court. The Valeriani brothers were tasked with visually constructing an image of imperial authority. Though just a sketch, there is an undeniable feeling of monumentality and permanence, yet the cross-hatching gives it a sense of movement. As you gaze into the arches, imagine yourself transported into a world where art and power were deeply intertwined, where even a simple sketch could carry the weight of imperial dreams.