Shepherd and Shepherdess Conversing in a Landscape (Berger et Bergere Conversant) cow

Claude Lorrain (circa 1600 – November 23, 1682), born Claude Gellée, was a French painter, draughtsman, and engraver renowned for his exquisite landscape paintings that influenced the development of the genre in Western art. Born in the Duchy of Lorraine, from which he derived his name, Claude spent most of his career in Italy, particularly Rome, where he was deeply inspired by the Italian countryside and classical antiquity. Claude Lorrain is best known for his luminous and idyllic landscapes, often infused with a serene, poetic quality. His works frequently depicted mythological or biblical scenes set against vast, atmospheric landscapes, where the play of light was a central element. He mastered the technique of depicting natural light, especially the soft glow of dawn and dusk, creating a sense of harmony and tranquility in his compositions.