Architectural Capriccio with a Monumental Arch

18th century

Not on view

Born in Florence and trained in Rome, Servandoni went to Paris in 1724. A versatile artist with a strong knowledge of perspective and antiquity, he found success in a variety of fields, from theater design to courtly festivals, with their fanciful temporary structures. Although he was not formally trained in architecture, he won the 1732 competition to design the façade of Saint Sulpice, which earned him the title Architecte du Roi. He also produced paintings in oil and gouache. They are typically architectural capricci that recall the layered perspective of stage sets, as here, where a crumbling archway frames a distant view of a triumphal arch.

Perrin Stein, March 2015

Artwork Details

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References

Title: Architectural Capriccio with a Monumental Arch
Artist: Jean Nicolas Servandoni (Italian, Florence 1695–1766 Paris)
Date: 18th century
Medium: Gouache with touches of gum arabic
Dimensions: Sheet: 18 1/2 x 26 in. (47 x 66 cm)
Classification: Drawings
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2008
Object Number: 2008.538.22
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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