Pastoraal landschap met bouwwerk en op de voorgrond een min c. 1782

This pastoral landscape with a building in the background was created by François Nicolas Barthélemy Dequevauviller. Executed as an engraving, the artwork’s composition centres on a rural scene framed within a decorative oval border. The limited tonal range creates a somewhat flattened picture plane. The structure and arrangement of elements in the scene reveal a deliberate attempt to construct an idealised version of nature. The architecture is integrated harmoniously with its surroundings, while human figures engage in simple, dignified labour. The symmetry and balance in the composition create a sense of order, reflecting Enlightenment ideals of reason and harmony. The engraving technique emphasizes line and form, giving the scene a clarity and precision that invite contemplation. Through its controlled structure and idealized imagery, this landscape creates a sense of timeless serenity.