Artwork
Two Women in Classical Dress
Two Women in Classical Dress is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Claude Lorrain. It dates from 1644 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Two Women in Classical Dress is a drawing by Claude Lorrain, a French artist active in Italy during the Baroque period.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts two women in flowing robes, one holding a scroll, the other with her cloak draped over her shoulder. The scene reflects Lorrain's practice of incorporating classical or narrative elements into his work.
Technique & Style
Executed in brush and black and brown inks and wash over black chalk, the drawing showcases Lorrain's use of layered media to achieve depth. The rough, quick lines and blending of dark ink and light wash create a sense of shadow and atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Created around 1644, the drawing is characteristic of Lorrain's preparatory studies for larger paintings, in which he often explored landscape and narrative themes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Claude Lorrain (French: ; born Claude Gellée , called le Lorrain in French; traditionally just Claude in English; c.
