The influential French Baroque artist Claude Lorrain created Haven met een vuurtoren sometime between 1638 and 1641. This work is classified as a print, executed on paper, a medium that allowed Lorrain to explore complex compositions before or alongside major oil paintings, and also to disseminate his famous landscapes widely.
The composition is characteristic of Lorrain's idealized harbor scenes (paysage composé), balancing architectural elements-such as the central lighthouse-with dramatic atmospheric effects. Lorrain’s mastery lies in his precise handling of light, which often streams across the water, defining the space and imparting a sense of tranquil grandeur. Unlike contemporary Dutch realism, Lorrain sought the sublime and pastoral in his work, heavily influencing subsequent landscape traditions, especially among 18th-century Romantic artists.
As one of the most celebrated figures in 17th-century European art, his surviving works, including these historic prints, provide vital insight into the evolution of classical landscape painting. This specific piece, Haven met een vuurtoren, forms part of the prestigious collection held by the Rijksmuseum. Due to its age and cultural significance, high-quality images of this masterpiece are often found in the public domain, making Lorrain's technical achievement accessible to researchers and art lovers worldwide.