Artwork
La tempestad
La tempestad is an oil painting by the French Classical Baroque artist Gaspard Dughet. It dates from 1672 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
La tempestad, executed in oil on canvas in 1672 by the French-born Italian landscape painter Gaspard Dughet, is part of the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid. The work presents a nocturnal tableau dominated by a massive, shadowy edifice that emits the sole illumination in the scene, casting a muted glow over the surrounding figures and animals.
Subject & Meaning
In the foreground, a tumultuous gathering of people and livestock clusters near a body of water. Some figures appear to be fleeing or collapsing, while others kneel or stand in distress, suggesting an emergency or disaster. The inclusion of sheep and dogs adds a pastoral element that contrasts with the chaotic human activity, reinforcing a sense of disorder and urgency.
Technique & Style
Dughet employs pronounced chiaroscuro, using the dark silhouette of the building as a light source to model forms and create depth. The stark contrast between illuminated and shadowed areas directs attention to the central group of figures, while the subdued palette enhances the nocturnal atmosphere. The composition balances detailed figuration with a broader, atmospheric landscape.
History & Provenance
Created in the later period of Dughet’s career, La tempestad entered the Spanish royal collection before being transferred to the Museo del Prado, where it remains on display. The painting exemplifies the artist’s interest in dramatic, narrative landscapes that were popular among 17th‑century patrons seeking both visual intrigue and moral allegory.
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Artist & collection
Landschaft mit Wettersturm
Nocturnal Crayfishing
Landscape with Figures
A Stormy Landscape
Landscape with deer hunting
Der Morgen
The Fortune-Teller
Forest Landscape with Mercury and Battus
Italian Landscape with a Mountain Stream
Rauniomaisema ja karjaa paimentava perhe
Landscape with Ancient Ruins, a Resting Flock in the Front
At the ford (Pastoral scene)