Campagne de Rome

Art Historical Context

François-Nicolas Chifflart’s *Campagne de Rome* captures the timeless allure of the Roman countryside through the delicate art of etching. Created in the 19th century, this print reflects the era’s fascination with Italy as a source of artistic inspiration, where the ancient landscape served as both a physical setting and a symbol of classical heritage. Chifflart, working in the tradition of French printmakers, used etching to translate atmospheric scenes into fine, expressive lines that convey light, texture, and depth. Etching was particularly valued during this period for its ability to produce multiple impressions, making evocative landscapes accessible beyond elite collectors. The medium’s precision allowed artists like Chifflart to highlight the rolling hills, ruins, and open skies of the Roman Campagna, inviting viewers to imagine the region’s layered history. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Drawings and Prints, this work exemplifies how 19th-century printmaking bridged travel, memory, and artistic technique. Its modest plate size encourages intimate viewing, rewarding close attention to the subtle interplay of line and tone that brings the Italian terrain to life.

About the Artist

François-Nicolas Chifflart · 1825–1901

François-Nicolas Chifflart was born on March 21, 1825, in Saint-Omer, France, to Antoine-Omer Chifflart, a skilled locksmith, carver, and engraver who introduced his son to metal engraving while working for tobacco pipe manufacturer Louis Fiolet. From an early age, Chifflart studied at the local municipal school of design before moving to Paris in 1844, where he entered the École des Beaux-Arts an...