The Fire of Hôtel-Dieu in Paris (1772)

Hubert Robert (22 May 1733 – 15 April 1808) was a distinguished French painter, widely acclaimed for his expressive landscapes. Closely linked with the Romanticism movement, Robert is noted for his remarkable skill in conveying mood and emotion in his artwork, frequently featuring classical ruins as central motifs.

His deep interest in architecture was sparked by a twelve-year period spent in Rome, where he drew inspiration from ancient monuments and the majestic decay of their remains. It was during this time that Robert crafted his distinctive style, melding both real and imagined architectural features within his paintings—a form known as capricci.

Robert’s paintings are often characterized by expansive views scattered with ancient, crumbling ruins, overtaken by nature and dotted with tiny human figures that emphasize both scale and a poignant, romantic nostalgia. These compositions not only mirrored the tastes of his time but also invoked ideas of history, the passage of time, and the transcendent beauty found in decay.

Beyond his achievements on canvas, Hubert Robert occupied significant roles such as Curator of the King's Pictures and Keeper of the Gardens at the Louvre. His reach extended into the decorative arts and garden design, establishing him as a prominent presence in the cultural landscape of 18th-century France.