Artwork
Vue du chateau de Madrid
Vue du chateau de Madrid is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jean-Jacques de Boissieu. It dates from 1773 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Jean‑Jacques de Boissieu’s 1773 etching presents a tranquil river scene framed by a modest village in the foreground, a gently rolling hill crowned by the Château de Madrid, and a sky mottled with clouds. The composition balances natural and architectural elements, inviting the viewer to contemplate a serene landscape that blends cultivated habitation with the surrounding countryside.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts the Château de Madrid, a former royal residence situated on a hill overlooking a calm waterway, with a small settlement nestled along its banks. By emphasizing the peaceful coexistence of the castle, river, and village, the image reflects eighteenth‑century Enlightenment ideals of order, harmony, and the gentle integration of human activity within nature.
Technique & Style
Executed in fine etching, Boissieu employs delicate line work to render the textures of stone walls, foliage, and water surface. Cross‑hatching creates subtle tonal variations, while the careful delineation of architectural details conveys depth. The cloudy sky is suggested through softer, less dense lines, contributing to the overall calm atmosphere of the scene.
History & Provenance
Created in 1773, the etching was part of Boissieu’s broader series of topographical prints documenting French landscapes and historic sites. While specific ownership records are limited, the print has circulated among collectors of 18th‑century French graphic art and is now held in several museum collections that focus on printmaking and architectural heritage.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Jacques de Boissieu (1736–1810) was a French artist, born in Lyon.
Landscape
The Banks of the Seine at Bezons
View of a Town on a River Bank
View of a Town on a River Bank
Entrance to the Faubourg, Saint-Marceau, Paris
River Landscape with Figures and a Boat at Water's Edge
Passerelle du Pont-au-Change, Paris, après l'Incendie de 1621 (Footbridge Temporarily Replacing the Pont-au-Change, Paris, after the Fire of 1621)
Round Tower near the Tiber
Square in Front of an Inn
Vue d'Aqua Pendente sur la route de Sienne a Rome
Views: View of Burano, a Town on an Island in the Venetian Lagoon
Landscape with Chateau