French painter Hubert Robert (1733-1808) truly merited the nickname given to him by friends and admirers: "Robert des Ruines". Already one of the most influential and venerated French artists of his time, the former member of the Académie Royale is today considered the most creative and imaginative painter of French Classicism. His enchanting visions of ancient ruins oscillate between fantasy and reality with exceptional accuracy and awe-inspiring landscapes show unique depictions of beauty in decay. Robert's art was of considerable influence to 19th-century French Romanticism and continues to mesmerise to this day.