The artwork titled “Colosseum, Rome” was created by Hubert Robert in 1790, falling within the Rococo art movement. This capriccio genre piece, measuring 240 by 225 centimeters, is located at the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain.
The artwork portrays a fictionalized, yet evocative, rendition of the interior of the Colosseum in Rome. It depicts a partially ruined structure illuminated by natural light streaming through an opening at the top, casting shadows that enhance the depth and texture of the stone columns and arches. Inhabitants are scattered throughout the scene; some engaged in exploration, while others appear to be conversing or engaged in restorative work. The sky is painted with soft hues of blue and white, visible through the overgrown foliage that adorns the ruins, suggesting the passage of time and nature’s encroachment on man-made structures. The meticulous attention to architectural detail, combined with the use of light and shadow, underscores Robert’s skill in creating a scene that is both romantic and steeped in historical reverie.
