"Departure for the Fields" is an influential print created by Claude Lorrain (Claude Gellée) between 1633 and 1646. This piece is an etching, specifically documented as the third state of four according to the Mannocci catalogue raisonné. Lorrain, a defining figure of the ideal landscape tradition in 17th-century Baroque art, specialized in creating harmonious scenes that merged classical settings with meticulous natural observation.
The composition captures a rustic, pastoral moment, characteristic of Lorrain's focus on idyllic rural life. The scene is strongly framed by large Trees that guide the eye toward the center. The title describes Human Figures and Animals setting out, likely shepherds or peasants, underscoring the daily cycle of work in the countryside. A substantial Bridge crosses a body of water in the middle ground, emphasizing the journey implicit in the artwork's theme.
Although revered today mainly for his grand paintings, Lorrain’s prints were highly valued by contemporaries and demonstrate his mastery of light and atmosphere through the precise use of etched lines. This particular impression of Departure for the Fields is held within the esteemed prints collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work profoundly reflects the French artist's lasting influence on landscape composition in Europe. Today, high-quality prints of this historic image are often made available through public domain initiatives, furthering the study of Lorrain’s graphic output.
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