Artwork

The Country Dance (Small Plate) (La danse sous les arbres)

The Country Dance (Small Plate) (La danse sous les arbres), by Claude Lorrain, ink, 1637
The Country Dance (Small Plate) (La danse sous les arbres), by Claude Lorrain, ink, 1637

The Country Dance (Small Plate) (La danse sous les arbres) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Claude Lorrain. It dates from 1637 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Country Dance (Small Plate), etched by Claude Lorrain around 1637, is a print depicting a lively rural dance scene, characteristic of the artist's emphasis on landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The etching shows a joyful, carefree gathering in a wooded area, with figures dancing and playing music, reflecting Lorrain's common motif of elevating everyday landscapes to historical painting status.

Technique & Style

Lorrain employed intricate etching techniques to achieve depth and texture, with detailed tree renderings and expressive, well-defined figures conveying emotional gestures.

History & Provenance

Created during Lorrain's time in Italy, where he was a pivotal early figure in the landscape genre, though specific provenance details for this small plate are not provided.

Context

As a French Baroque artist primarily known for landscape paintings, this etching exemplifies Lorrain's ability to capture idyllic scenes across mediums.

Legacy

While specific legacy details for *The Country Dance (Small Plate)* are not provided, it contributes to Lorrain's broader influence on the development of landscape art.

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.