"Representation of the Beauty of Nature"

Born in England in 1764, Latrobe worked for the famous engineer John Smeaton and architect Samuel Pepys Cockerell before immigrating to the United States. Latrobe lived in Virginia for several years while designing the Virginia State Penitentiary and two residential homes. Later he became one of the young nation's most significant architects. The Bank of Pennsylvania, the Baltimore Basilica, and the United States Capitol are prominent examples of his designs. His journals & accompanying illustrations are excellent sources for the Virginia landscape and culture at the turn of the eighteenth century.

The Library of Virginia received the volumes from the estate of John Stewart Bryan (1871-1944) about 1952. Bryan was publisher of the Richmond News-Leader and president of the College of William and Mary.

Located in what is now the Czech Republic, Bohemia was a kingdom in the Holy Roman Empire and then a province in the Austrian Empire. At its peak of political power and prosperity, Bohemia stretched to the Adriatic Sea. Tolštejn Castle was built as a part of the military defense structure of the Zittau region after the death of the Czech king Premysl Otakar II in 1278. The castle was conquered and burnt out during the 30 Years War, but the ruins remain a tourist attraction even today.

The barren branches of an old mulberry tree intertwine with the young foliage of a cherry tree in this composition, which, according to Latrobe, was more difficult to copy than he had thought it would be.  Latrobe undertook the task while on a trip to Northumberland County to lay off the new town of Heathsville.

This image, and the following batteaux scene, were drawn by Latrobe on a trip he took to examine the "coal country" roughly 10 to 25 miles from Richmond.

In addition to the landscape images contained in these volumes, Latrobe also documented the creatures he found on his journey, often in great detail with lush commentary. The butterfly, wrote Latrobe, can "read the best lecture on the subject" of "the sucession of being" and the "perpetual renovation of youth."

Latrobe departed Virginia in 1798 for Philadelphia, where he established an architectural practice working in Greek and Gothic Revival styles. He became known as one of the most accomplished architects of the era, and eventually served as Architect of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. "An Essay on Landscape" gives us a unique glimpse into how Latrobe viewed Virginia and the natural elements which fascinated him.