A Gallery of Robert des Ruines

Hubert Robert (Paris, France, 22nd May 1733 – Paris, France, 15th April 1808)

Hubert Robert by Louise Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, 1788

Hubert Robert was born on this day and, for many decades, enjoyed a celebrated career as an architectural painter throughout Europe.

The Arc de Triomphe and the Theatre of Orange, 1787

Robert des Ruines, as he came to be known, was known for painting romantic, highly detailed paintings and was particularly lauded for his depictions of classical ruins. He even gained the nickname Robert des Ruines" (Robert of the Ruins).

La Grande Galerie du Louvre, 1796

As a guest of the French ambassador to Rome, Robert travelled widely throughout Italy where he honed the skills he had learnt during his education in France. Upon his return to his homeland, he found himself celebrated by public and critics alike, his achievements recognised by his admission to the Académie Royale.

Italian Kitchen, 1760-67

Interior of the Temple of Diana at Nîmes, 1771

View of Ripetta, 1766