A type of landscape or architectural painting that combines real and imaginary elements, often mixing famous buildings from different locations or adding fantastical ruins to create an idealized scene.
From Italian 'capriccio' meaning 'whim' or 'fancy,' reflecting the artist's freedom to combine elements according to imagination rather than reality. The term entered art vocabulary in the 17th century during the development of landscape painting genres.
Giovanni Paolo Panini created capricci that were like architectural collages, putting the Colosseum next to St. Peter's Basilica in impossible combinations that thrilled Grand Tour collectors! These paintings let artists and patrons create their perfect 'greatest hits' version of classical architecture, mixing the best ruins and buildings into fantasy landscapes.
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