Robert, Hubert

(1733-1808)

   painter, engraver

   Known for his landscapes and romantic views of classical ruins, Hubert Robert was born in Paris, where he trained in various studios. in 1759, he began an 11-year visit to Italy (with jean-honoré fragonard) and painted a large number of scenes of ruins, Roman monuments, and picturesque scenes. Returning to France, he made the painting of such ruins fashionable, portraying in his works the ancient monuments of Provence (Le Pont du Gard), as well as contemporary French scenes and views of historical as well as artistic importance for the glimpses they provide of 18th-century life in and around Paris (Démolition du pont Notre-Dame). Robert loved to use diffused light and imbued his views with a sense of melancholy, characterizing a preromantic sensibility.