landscape with building at left; man sketching accompanied by two other men, LLQ; small bridge at center, with donkey carrying a woman riding side-saddle; four figures on path behind donkey; boats on water at right; two tall trees at center

Landscape with a Draftsman, c. 1638-1641

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Claude Lorrain was born in the Duchy of Lorrain in modern-day France, but he pursued his artistic career in Rome, where he became the most sought-after landscape painter of his time. He was also active as a printmaker and prolific as a draftsman. He and fellow artists made frequent trips into the countryside to study the terrain, plants, animals, people, and perhaps most of all, the atmospheric light that suffused the whole with romantic magic. In the lower left corner of this etching, we see an artist engaged in making just such observations as two companions look on. Claude presents us with grist for our imaginations as travelers pass to and from the great stone seaside port, and we also see past the far side of the bay, out to the distant horizon.

Details
Title
Landscape with a Draftsman
Artist Life
1603–1682
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2013.26.6
Provenance
[P&D Colnaghi, London, inv. no. C14451]. Peter Spokes, Minneapolis
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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landscape with building at left; man sketching accompanied by two other men, LLQ; small bridge at center, with donkey carrying a woman riding side-saddle; four figures on path behind donkey; boats on water at right; two tall trees at center