<Capriccio> with Ruins

Unknown artist

This charming etching is characteristic of Desprez’s early works made in France before his Italian sojourn. As a trained architect, he was able to combine elements of classical buildings in an imaginary composition, or <capriccio>. Lush vegetation has taken over this ruin, adding to its poetic appeal. Later on, Desprez would draw inspiration for his stage sets from such architectural fantasies.