Roman Ruins with Laundresses

c. 1777

Ruins appear frequently in Robert’s work. In this painting, a massive brick wall, based perhaps on ancient fortifications surrounding Rome, suggests the monumental achievements of a past civilization. Daily activities continue, however, as women carry water, wash laundry in a fountain, and warm themselves by a fire. The artist probably painted this scene in Paris, working from sketches made during a long stay in Rome.

Medium	oil on canvas
Dimensions	38 x 32 11/16 in. (96.5 x 83 cm) Frame: 47 3/8 x 39 11/16 x 2 1/2 in. (120.3 x 100.8 x 6.4 cm)
Object Number	2003.13
Acquisition	Gift of Asbjorn R. Lunde in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, 2005, 2003
Status	On View

Image Caption

Hubert Robert, Roman Ruins with Laundresses, c. 1777, oil on canvas. Clark Art Institute, gift of Asbjorn R Lunde in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, , 2003.13

Select Bibliography

Rand, Richard. "Recent Acquisitions (19942005) at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute." The Burlington Magazine 147, no. 1225 (April 2005): 293300.

Provenance

Helen-Marie de Limur Washer (1920-1997), Santa Cruz (sale, Sotheby’s, New York, 6 March 1975, no. 14, sold to Lunde); Asbjorn R. Lunde, Hillsdale, NY (1975-2003, by gift to the Clark Art Institute in 2003); Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, 2003.