“Imaginary View of Rome with Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius, the Column of Trajan and a Temple,” an artwork by Hubert Robert, originated in 1786 and belongs to the Rococo art movement. It is classified as a veduta, measuring 161 by 107 centimeters, and is currently housed in the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo, Japan.
The artwork depicts a fantastical vision of Rome, combining several of its iconic ancient structures into a single composition. The painting features the imposing Column of Trajan on the left, crowned with a statue, and the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius centrally positioned. To the right, an imagined grand temple adorned with statues and detailed architectural elements stretches into the background. The foreground hosts various figures engaged in activities, displaying a sense of everyday life amidst the grandeur of ancient ruins. The use of soft, diffused light and dynamic clouds accentuates the dreamlike quality typical of Rococo art, while the meticulous attention to architectural details reflects Robert’s skill in capturing the essence of historical grandeur.
