Landscape with Shepherds

Gaspard Dughet 1615 - 1675

Summary

Gaspard Dughet, also known as Gaspard Poussin, was born in Rome to a French father. He remained in Italy all his life and was one of the leading landscapists working in Rome in the 17th century. His art was often confused with that of his brother-in-law and teacher, Nicolas Poussin, whose name he adopted. Both artists referenced classical poetry in their landscapes, for which they were particularly admired and collected. Dughet specialised in views of the Roman countryside, which later served as souvenirs and fantasies of Italy for British tourists and collectors during the 1700s; most of his output was in Britain by 1800. This typical example of Dughet's work recalls the landscape around Tivoli, a site of pilgrimage for Grand Tourists. The meander of light and shade that runs from the foreground to the distant smoky hills creates a sense of harmony, while the figures in antique dress reinforce the idea of this as a classical pastoral poem.

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Grand Tour and Grand Style The Influence of Travel Improvements in European travel during the 1700s had a wide-ranging impact on British culture. A particularly significant influence was the Grand Tour, which became almost obligatory for young gentlemen. Grand Tourists were led across Europe by tutors to study art, history and politics for two or three years. The Grand Tour focused on Italy, particularly Rome, and often incorporated new archaeological sites such as those at Herculaneum and Pompei, near Naples. Ancient antiquities were heavily trafficked across Europe and continental works of art flooded into Britain. A period of especially active collecting took place between the end of the Seven Years War in 1763 and the rise of Napoleon in the 1790s. As more artists and designers also visited the continent their work became increasingly informed by travel. The serious themes of classical antiquity and European art led to a new departure in painting called the Grand Style. This championed classical, historical or literary subjects, and inspired radical changes in portraiture and landscape. Widespread interest in Greek and Roman remains also fostered fresh interpretations of ancient designs by pioneers of decorative art such as Josiah Wedgwood.