Artist Hubert Robert of the Ruins

Hubert Roberts, aka “Robert of the ruins,” so named for his picturesque depictions of ancient Roman ruins strung along Italy’s countryside, was an extremely talented man. Considered a master of art in some circles, and a spirited, energetic intellectual in others- Hubert Robert’s paintings have forever sealed their fate in many art collectors’ private collections, despite the fact it may have cost them a mere $700,000.00 or a flat $2,000,000.00. In fact, even Adolf Hitler was a Roberts' enthusiast, and stole many of his collected pieces from Edouard Alphonse James de Rothschild, a prominent European Jew.

Once a fugitive like Edouard Rothschild, Hubert Roberts was eventually detained and imprisoned during the French Revolution. His crime for the involuntary incarceration, was that he was a close personal friend to Louis XVI, and his personal art keeper. He was also the first artist to serve as curator to the newly established Louvre, then known as the Museum Central des Arts. This opened its doors August 10, 1793. Admission was free, and artists were given priority over the general public. However, the museum was only open on weekends. The works, mostly paintings from the collections of the French royal family and aristocrats who had fled abroad, were displayed in the Salon Carré and the Grande Galerie. The delicacy and playfulness of Rococo designs is often seen as perfectly in tune with the excesses of Louis XV & Louis XVI's reigns. Hubert Roberts survived his stint in the bowels of the French Revolution, however narrowly escaping death. Apparently there was another man named Hubert Roberts, who was guillotined instead.

For more Rococo period artist, check out this well embraced article by fellow hubber knell63, Rococo Portrait Painter.