Jonge faunen in het Museo Capitolino te Rome 1780

Jean Grandjean made this drawing of young fauns in pen in the late 18th century. The scene depicts two fauns playing their flutes. Drawings such as these were often made by artists who were studying the canon of art. The Museo Capitolino in Rome was renowned for its collection of classical sculpture and Grandjean most likely made this drawing as a record of the antique. In the 18th century, this type of drawing was also considered a work of art in its own right. It shows the artist's skill in rendering form and texture. The neo-classical style was popular at this time, and drawings such as this one would have been used as models for other artists. This work reminds us of the importance of studying the art of the past and of the role that museums play in shaping our understanding of art. It is worth researching the different institutions that have shaped the way we see art today.