Harbor with rising sun, figures in foreground, colonnade on left

"Harbor with rising sun, figures in foreground, colonnade on left" is an influential etching created by the French Baroque artist Claude Lorrain (Claude Gellée) between 1634 and 1635. As a master of classical landscape painting, Lorrain executed this work using the etching technique, demonstrating his remarkable ability to translate the nuanced light and atmospheric effects of his grand canvases into the graphic arts.

The composition establishes a serene, idealized maritime setting, characteristic of Lorrain's depictions of the Roman Campagna and surrounding coasts. On the left, a monumental classical colonnade frames the view, directing the observer’s gaze toward a wide harbor dominated by the intense light of the rising sun. Numerous boats are visible in the middle distance, emphasizing the busy, yet tranquil, environment of maritime trade and commerce. In the foreground, several small figures, identified as men, interact or observe the morning activity, providing critical scale and a narrative element to the vast setting.

While primarily famous for his oils, Lorrain produced several important series of etchings. These prints allowed his compositions to be widely disseminated among collectors, contributing significantly to his reputation across Europe during his lifetime. This particular impression of Harbor with rising sun, figures in foreground, colonnade on left is held in the extensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its age and cultural significance, the work is often made available for study, and high-quality images of this classical print are frequently available through public domain initiatives, ensuring continued access to the artistry of Lorrain.