Artwork

The Herd Returning in Stormy Weather (Le troupeau en marche par un temps orageux)

The Herd Returning in Stormy Weather (Le troupeau en marche par un temps orageux) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Claude Lorrain. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Claude Lorrain's etching 'The Herd Returning in Stormy Weather' is a Baroque-period landscape print created around 1650. It showcases the artist's characteristic blend of natural scenery and human or animal figures.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene pastoral scene: a herd of cows traverses a winding path through a hilly landscape, set against a dramatic, stormy sky. A distant castle and a solitary column add depth to the composition.

Technique & Style

Lorrain employed shading to convey depth and movement, animating the scene. The contrast between the turbulent sky and the calm animals is a hallmark of Baroque art, achieved through the expressive use of etching techniques.

Context

As a French artist working primarily in Italy, Lorrain's work was influenced by the Italian landscape. His prints often drew on classical or biblical themes, though 'The Herd Returning in Stormy Weather' focuses on a more rustic subject.