Artwork

Landscape with Brigands (Scène de brigands)

Landscape with Brigands (Scène de brigands), by Claude Lorrain, ink, 1633
Landscape with Brigands (Scène de brigands), by Claude Lorrain, ink, 1633

Landscape with Brigands (Scène de brigands) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Claude Lorrain. It dates from 1633 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Landscape with Brigands is a 1633 print by Claude Lorrain, a French artist active in Italy. It is an etching with drypoint elements.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a landscape with four figures under a large tree, gesturing toward a distant mountain. The scene is set against a backdrop of jagged peaks and a winding river, with detailed foreground vegetation. The composition blends naturalism with idealization, using small figures to create a narrative context.

Technique & Style

Claude Lorrain employed drypoint to achieve fine, slightly fuzzy details in shadows and foliage, adding depth to the scene. The technique involves scratching a sharp tool directly into a plate to create rich, textured lines.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Claude Lorrain

Artist

Claude Lorrain

Claude Lorrain (French: ; born Claude Gellée , called le Lorrain in French; traditionally just Claude in English; c.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.