Maria Luigia Raggi, Mountainous Landscape with Ruins and Figures by a River; Capriccio with Figures near Ancient Ruins Confined within the Genoese monastery dedicated to the Blue Nuns, Maria Luigia Raggi dreamed of freedom in her paintings. Born in Genoa in 1742 to a prominent family, she spent her life in seclusion. Her art, often in pairs, features delicate Arcadian landscapes, charming capriccios, and views of Rome, blending documentary-archaeological details with Rococo grace. Her work, influenced by the Grand Tour tradition, catered to foreign collectors eager for souvenirs of Italy's artistic heritage. Raggi's tempera on paper technique made her works easily transportable, and her compositions often included picturesque ruins and serene landscapes. Despite her seclusion, Raggi's profound knowledge of 17th-century landscape painting is evident, with influences from artists like Claude Lorrain. Her works, filled with dreamlike lyricism and Arcadian themes, are preserved in public museums and private collections, with significant pieces in the Museo Civico di Prato, the Capitoline Museums, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Maria Luigia Raggi (Genoa, 1742-1813) Tempera on paper, Dimensions: 66 x 39.5 cm (26 x 15.6 inches) 64 x 38.5 cm (25.2 x 15.2 inches) Bibliography: C. Lollobrigida, Maria Luigia Raggi, The Landscape Capriccio between Arcadia and Grand Tour, Budai Editori, Rome, 2012 G. Sestieri, The Architectural Capriccio in Italy in the 17th and 18th Century, Etgraphie, 2015