“View of Ripetta,” created by Hubert Robert in 1766, is a quintessential example of the Rococo art movement and falls under the genre of veduta. This artwork is currently housed at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts (ENSBA) in Paris, France.
In the artwork, a serene and grand portrayal of Ripetta is depicted, showcasing Robert’s masterful use of light and shadow to accentuate architectural features and human activity. The composition is replete with classical edifices, including an impressive domed structure and imposing colonnades, all set against a backdrop of dramatic, swirling clouds. The foreground is animated with various figures engaged in daily tasks along the river, reflecting the vibrancy of the locale. The precision and detail of the figures and structures evoke a harmonious blend of realism and romanticism, characteristic of the Rococo style, making it an exquisite representation of 18th-century veduta.
