Design for a Naumachia, in the gardens at Chateau d'Enghien, Belgium 1782

Charles de Wailly made this design for a naumachia, or mock naval battle, in the gardens at Chateau d'Enghien in Belgium, using pen, ink, and watercolor. It presents an intriguing window onto the 18th century aristocracy's fascination with antiquity, particularly as a form of spectacle and entertainment. The crumbling, romanticized ruins evoke a sense of history and grandeur, creating an immersive experience for the viewer. The naumachia itself reflects a desire to recreate historical events and transform the landscape into a stage for lavish displays. Made in the late 1700’s, this drawing invites us to consider the social conditions that shaped artistic production. The commission indicates a patron interested in projecting power through cultural display. It also prompts questions about the role of landscape design in shaping aristocratic identity. To understand this work better, we might consult historical records of garden design, aristocratic patronage, and the reception of antiquity in 18th-century Europe, all of which inform our understanding of art’s purpose in society.