Capriccio: Ruins
1702
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1702
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Capriccio: Ruins is a 1702 ink by Marco Ricci, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This print shows a fancy garden scene with crumbling ruins in the background. A few people are scattered around—some sitting on a stone ledge, others standing or walking. There’s a big tree with bare branches, a broken column, and a small statue in the distance. The ground has plants and a few scattered rocks. The artist used shading to make the scene feel three-dimensional, even though it’s just black and white. The ruins look old and grand, but the people seem relaxed, like they’re enjoying the space. Next, check out the technique: etching to see how artists like Ricci made detailed prints.
