Gezicht bij het Casino Borghese 1762 - 1777

Etienne de Lavallée-Poussin made this wash on paper of the Borghese Casino in Rome, probably in the 1760s or 70s. It’s a depiction of a place of leisure for the elite, and embodies the 18th-century fascination with classical architecture and idyllic landscapes. The Borghese Casino, set within the expansive Villa Borghese gardens, served as a retreat for the Borghese family. In Poussin’s image, the building is seen from a distance, emphasizing its integration with the surrounding nature. The arcade, a classical motif, speaks to the period's interest in the art and culture of ancient Rome. The sketch, light and airy, captures the leisurely atmosphere of the space, where members of the aristocracy could escape the confines of the city. To fully appreciate this work, one might explore the social history of the Borghese family and the function of spaces like the Villa Borghese in the 18th century. Art history, after all, is always contingent on context.