The Oval Fountain in the Gardens of the Villa d'Este, Tivoli 1760

Hubert Robert rendered "The Oval Fountain in the Gardens of the Villa d'Este, Tivoli" with red chalk, a medium that lends itself beautifully to the romantic aesthetic of the late 18th century. Robert, living in a society deeply shaped by the Enlightenment, was exploring new relationships between humanity and nature. His depiction of the Villa d’Este gardens, a symbol of cultivated beauty, is tinged with a sense of the sublime. The artist highlights the tension between the planned elegance of the fountain and the embracing wilderness. This reflects a broader societal interest in the emotional power of nature, and a questioning of human control. Look at how the figures are dwarfed by the landscape. The composition prompts us to consider our own place within a larger natural order. How do we balance our desire for control with our awe of the untamed world? Robert invites us to reflect on our own connection to both the built and natural environment.