Claude Lorrain. Seaport with the Embarkation of the Queen of Sheba (1648)

Claude Lorrain

Fundamental Paintings to Understand the History of Painting

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Seaport with the Embarkation of the Queen of Sheba (1648). Claude Lorrain
Oil on canvas. 140 cm x 120 cm
National Gallery. London

Claude Lorrain (or most commonly known as simply Claude) was one of the most important landscape painters in history, and this painting is considered a true milestone.

As if that were not enough, it seems that Turner burst into tears when seeing it for the first time, and explained: “Because I will never be able to paint something like that.” Yes, that’s what Turner himself said.

And talking about Turner, keep in mind that Constable also considered Lorrain the most illustrious landscape artist who ever lived.

What is the importance of Lorrain’s work, the impact it caused, and the influence it had on later generations?

Lorrain was one of the first painters of landscape as an independent genre, of “pure landscaping.” That is, in his paintings, the main object is the landscape.

But what made him a tremendously admired artist was his way of “idealizing” the landscape. He gave it a poetic, romantic look, reminiscent of a glorious past. This is how his work then became the great antecedent of the romantic landscape. (There are two characteristics that quickly define something as “romantic”: that it is recharged with feelings and idealization.)

His interest in the effects of light and atmospheric conditions according to the different hours and different seasons is also considered fundamental. They generated even more lyrical intensity, “more poetry.”

For all these reasons, he was a reference for the landscape painters who succeeded him in different periods, mainly the painters of the Romanticism and the Barbizon school, and also Impressionist painters.

For all of these reasons, he served as a model for landscape painters who came after him throughout history, particularly Romantic and Barbizon school painters, as well as Impressionist painters.

Recommended links:

Characteristic Elements of Romantic Painting.

Turner Seascapes and Romanticism.

Plein Air Painting.

Snow Storm – Steam-Boat off a Harbour’s Mouth (1842), Turner.

Romanticism.

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