Cirkel van cipressen in de tuin van de Villa d'Este te Tivoli Possibly 1670 - 1717

This print of the garden of the Villa d’Este in Tivoli, was made by Pieter Schenk around the turn of the 18th century. The drawing presents a circle of cypresses in a composition that emphasises geometric forms and controlled perspectives. The symmetry in the arrangement of the trees and statues, set against the backdrop of the villa, illustrates how gardens embody cultural ideals through constructed forms. The linear arrangement encourages the eye to follow receding lines, but also suggests a dialogue between nature and artifice. The artist uses color to subtly differentiate textures – the solid greens of the cypresses against the muted tones of the statues. The precision of the lines captures not just physical space but also communicates an aesthetic order that reflects broader philosophical ideas about nature. The ordering of space and objects embodies an understanding of how designed environments might reflect or impose a certain viewpoint. It suggests that spaces are not just seen but are read, and the codes and structures of formal gardens offer a view into how we perceive, interpret and interact with the world.