Claude Lorrain (1604/05-1682)The French painter Claude (le) Lorrain is known after his home region of Lorrain. In fact his real name was Gellée. Around 1617-20 Lorrain left for Italy. There he studied under landscape artists in Naples and Rome, remaining in the latter city for the rest of his life. Claude Lorrain painted idealised landscapes, with carefully balanced compositions. Light is a crucial element in his work, emphasising the poetic atmosphere. Lorrain made many sketches outdoors, around the Roman countryside. He then used these studies for the paintings he composed in his studio. Lorrain was an important influence on later painters such as Turner. |
