Artwork
The Cascades of St. Cloud
The Cascades of St. Cloud is a print by the Baroque artist Jacques Rigaud. It dates from 1727 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The Cascades of St.
About this work
Overview
The Cascades of St. Cloud, a 1727 print by Jacques Rigaud, depicts a serene river landscape featuring a small waterfall, stone bridge, and surrounding foliage, with human and animal figures in the foreground.
Subject & Meaning
The subject centers on the natural beauty of a riverside scene, emphasizing the interplay of water, landscape, and human activity. The composition highlights the awe-inspiring aspects of nature, a common theme during the period.
Technique & Style
Rigaud's technique captures the shimmer and movement of water, contrasting with the solidity of the stone bridge and the vibrancy of a clear blue sky dotted with soft clouds. The tiny, active figures enhance the sense of scale and tranquility.
History & Provenance
Created in 1727, the work is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, reflecting the institution's holdings of 18th-century European prints.
Artist & collection
The Theatre of Water (Le Théâtre d'Eau)
Chateau of Berny from the Gardens
View of the Chateau de Seaux from Diana's Promenade
Chateau Fontainebleau from the Grand Canal
The Chateau from the Canal at Rambouillet
Chateau of Bagnolet
Vue du Château royal de Chambord, du côte de la Porte royale
Chateau Saint Ouen from the Court
Pool of the Muses at Marli
Le Bassin d'Encelade
L'Arc de Triomphe
Les Domes
Vue du Bassin de Latone Prise du Bord de la Terrasse du Chateau
Vue du Château du Versailles, du côté de l'Orangerie, prise au delà de la pièce d'eau des Suisses
Vue du palais et des jardins des Tuileries, du côté du cours la Reine
The Fountains of Rome (Le fontane di Roma), Book IV, plate 7: Fountain of the Tiburtine Sibyl (Fontana della Sibilla Tiburtina)
Chateau St. Cloud