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Landscape Capriccio with Ancient Ruins. Black chalk, charcoal soaked in linseed oil, grey wash, black framing lines. 29.8 x 39.8 cm. Watermark: Foolscap.
This impressive, monumental sheet by Anthonie Waterloo is distinguished by its serene, contemplative atmosphere and the subtle distribution of light and shade. The picturesque scenery is completely deserted and there is no sign at all of any human activity. The ancient ruins commemorate a glorious, distant past, thus symbolising the futility of all human endeavour. Although there is no documentary evidence that the artist ever undertook a journey to Italy, several drawings of Roman ruins like the present one suggest that he might have stayed there. In this respect it is worthwhile comparing it with the View of the Palace of Septimius Severus in Darmstadt (exhibition catalogue Landschaftszeichnungen der Niederländer: 16. und 17. Jahrhundert. Aus der graphischen Sammlung des Hessischen Landesmuseum Darmstadt, Darmstadt 1992, no. 42) and the View of the Baths of Diocletian in the Rijksprentenkabinet in Amsterdam (inv. RP–T–1954– 112). However, Waterloo could also have been inspired by the works of Dutch fellow artists returning from study trips to Italy. The present beautiful sheet is executed in the artist’s typically fluid and vigorous drawing style. Provenance: Jacob de Vos Jacobz. (according to an inscription in the collection files of the last owner); with Bremmer, Amsterdam, from whom it was purchased by I. Q. van Regteren Altena on 20/22 July 1926 (Inventory book: “180. t. A. Waterloo ruines”); with his collector’s stamp verso. Exhibited: Amsterdam, Koninklijk Oudheidkundig Genootschap, Hoe Hollandse teekenaars Rome zagen 1500-1840, 1940 (no catalogue published); exhibition catalogue In de ban van Italie: Tekeningen uit een Amsterdamse verzameling, by I. Oud, M. Jonker and M. Schapelhouman, Amsterdam Museum, Amsterdam 1995, no. 16.
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