Rome Wearing the Crown

De Lairesse employed strong chiaroscuro, creating three-dimensional, carved-like figures through pronounced light and shadow contrasts, characteristic of the Flemish Baroque. The style reflects influences from Cesare Ripa’s allegorical representations and French classicism, notably Charles le Brun.

Created in 1695, the painting is now part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection. De Lairesse’s subsequent theoretical works (*Grondlegginge Ter Teekenkonst*, 1701, and *Groot Schilderboek*, 1707) solidified his influence on 18th-century art, particularly following the decline of Rembrandt’s prominence.

The work emerges from late 17th-century European artistic trends, positioning de Lairesse as a leading figure of his time. It blends Flemish Baroque sensibilities with French classical restraint, reflecting the era’s cross-cultural artistic dialogue.

Through *Rome Wearing the Crown* and his writings, de Lairesse contributed significantly to the development of 18th-century art, leaving a lasting impact on artistic theory and practice beyond his own creative output.