Artwork
A Rocky Pond
A Rocky Pond is an ink print by the Baroque artist Laurent de La Hyre. It dates from 1640 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
A Rocky Pond, created by Laurent de La Hyre in 1640, is an etching on laid paper. This print embodies the artist's adherence to the Parisian Atticism movement, characterized by structured compositions and classical influences.
Subject & Meaning
The etching portrays a serene natural setting, featuring rocky terrain, still water, and bare trees with sharply twisted branches against a pale sky. A central, jagged island with clustered trees adds depth to the tranquil scene.
Technique & Style
La Hyre employed fine, scratchy lines to achieve textured shadows and details, evident in the rough rocks and softly rippled water. This technique is hallmark of etching, where ink is etched into a metal plate before being transferred to paper.
History & Provenance
Created in 1640 by Laurent de La Hyre, a key figure in the French Baroque and Parisian Atticism movement, the artwork reflects the artist's neoclassical leanings.
Context
Within the broader context of 17th-century French art, A Rocky Pond stands as an example of how Parisian Atticism influenced the depiction of natural themes with classical restraint and compositional order.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of A Rocky Pond are not highlighted, the piece contributes to the understanding of La Hyre's contribution to etching techniques and the Parisian Atticism movement's aesthetic in natural scenery.
Artist & collection
Artist
Laurent de La Hyre (French pronunciation: ; 27 February 1606 – 28 December 1656) was a French Baroque painter, born in Paris. He was a leading exponent of the neoclassical style of Parisian Atticism.
Three Men on a Rock
Landscape with River and Rock
The Waterfall: pl.6
Mountainous Landscape
A Waterfall between Rocky Cliffs
Three Men on a Rock
Two Men Seated at the Foot of a High Rock
Two Logs in the Water
Travelers in a Rocky Wood
Pointed Boulder at the Bank of a River
A Young Couple Seated near a Massive Rock Formation
A Rocky Pond