Landschap met ruïne met twee bogen 1673 - 1695

Nicolas Perelle made this etching of a ruined landscape with two arches sometime in the second half of the 17th century. It shows us a romantic vision of the Italian countryside with classical ruins. Prints like this were popular in France at the time, when there was an explosion of interest in classical antiquity. The ruins are a testament to a glorious past, but also a reminder of the transience of human achievement. This interest in the past and the incorporation of classical elements in art and architecture was driven by the French Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. To understand the meaning of this image fully we might want to delve into the history of the Grand Tour, the system of artistic patronage, and the prevailing philosophical ideas about history. By examining these social and institutional contexts, we gain a richer appreciation of the cultural significance of Perelle's work.