Hubert Robert (1733–1808) was a French painter and one of the most prominent landscape artists of his time, renowned for his depictions of ruins and grand architectural scenes. Born in Paris to a well-to-do family, Robert studied in Rome from 1754 to 1765, where he was deeply influenced by ancient Roman architecture and the city's monumental ruins. This experience shaped his artistic vision and became a central theme of his work. Robert was a master of the "capriccio" style, blending real architectural elements with imaginary, picturesque landscapes. His paintings often featured ancient ruins, crumbling temples, and vast, overgrown structures, evoking both the grandeur and decay of classical civilization. These scenes were not just historical; they were imbued with a sense of romanticism and a meditation on the passage of time. After returning to France, Robert became a member of the prestigious Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture. He was also appointed the curator of paintings at the Louvre, where he played a key role in organizing and expanding the museum's collection. His work gained significant popularity during his lifetime, and he received numerous commissions from aristocrats and royals. Despite being imprisoned during the French Revolution, Robert continued to paint prolifically. His works reflect a blend of nostalgia for the past and a fascination with the sublime beauty of decay. Today, Hubert Robert is celebrated as a key figure of 18th-century French art, whose evocative landscapes and ruinscapes captured the imagination of his era.
