Architectural Capriccio with a Palace seen through a Triumphal Arch

Louis Joseph Le Lorrain

ca. 1750–59 · Pen and ink with wash · Drawings and Prints

This drawing is one of two architectural capriccios by Le Lorrain, which show ideal city views with classical architecture. This design shows a view of a square with a palace, as seen through a triumphal arch. Small figures have been added as staffage and to convey scale. Le Lorrain was one of the protagonists in the movement that pressed for a return to classical models during the second and third quarter of the eighteenth century. Inspired by his time in Rome, Le Lorrain became known for his architectural capriccios, which sometimes served as theater and festival decors. So far, none of these characteristic capriccios had been acquired for the collection.

Artist

Louis Joseph Le Lorrain

Date

ca. 1750–59

Medium

Pen and ink with wash

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Harry G. Sperling Fund, 2019