Pair of 18th-century watercolors (circa 1750)

The first watercolor depicts a pastoral and architectural landscape typical of the idealized visions of Europe in the 18th century, blending nature with ancient ruins. At the center of the composition, a group of columns rising from a stone base captures the viewer’s attention. These columns, crowned with vegetation, evoke the remains of an ancient temple, reflecting the influence of antiquity on the art of this period. To the left, a stone arch and crumbling walls suggest an old fortification or monumental gate, while to the right, a series of evenly spaced arches resembles a Roman aqueduct, highlighting the harmonious integration of architecture into the natural surroundings.

The natural setting, composed of rolling hills and soft blue and green mountains, creates a sense of depth. Trees and shrubs are scattered throughout, blending vegetation with architectural remains. The entire scene is suffused with a soft and soothing atmosphere, accentuated by the pastel tones characteristic of watercolor.

In the foreground, a figure dressed in a red coat appears to be strolling, while another figure, clad in blue, is seated or kneeling near a lake, holding a fishing rod. Further in the background, a third figure walks along a path near the ruins.

This piece reflects a romantic and idealized vision where nature and the remnants of the past coexist harmoniously. Through its style and subject, the artwork exemplifies a timeless admiration for the beauty of landscapes and ruins.

The second watercolor centers on a fortified castle perched on a hill of geometrically shaped rocks. Its light-colored walls and red roofs draw the viewer’s eye, while dense, golden-hued trees encircle the structure, creating the impression of a secluded refuge within a natural environment. The details of the medieval castle underscore a pre-Romantic fascination with historic edifices.

In the foreground, the scene comes to life with figures: to the left, a man in a light coat strolls leisurely, while on the right, another figure dressed in blue stands near columns reminiscent of an ancient structure. A third figure, dressed in red, sits on a rock, gazing at the landscape.

The composition also includes a body of water traversed by a small sailboat, rowed by two individuals. In the background, soft blue mountains stretch into the distance, suggesting a vast and tranquil horizon. To the right, a small village or town is subtly depicted at the foot of the hills, adding depth to the scene.

Bathed in soft and serene light, the watercolor enhances the pastoral and melancholic atmosphere. This work once again showcases the idealization of natural and historical landscapes in 18th-century art, where the past and nature blend seamlessly into an aesthetically pleasing vision.