Landscape with Walled Town

Landscape with Walled Town, attributed either to the influential French master After Claude Lorrain (French, 1600-1682) or the later English landscape draftsman Alexander Cozens (English, c.1717-1786), is a significant example of 17th- to 18th-century landscape draftsmanship. Classified as a drawing, the work was skillfully executed using black chalk on rust laid paper, a technique that exploits the paper’s underlying tone to provide instant warmth and depth. The original sheet was subsequently laid down onto cream laid paper, a common conservation practice of the era.

The composition adheres closely to the idealized classical landscapes perfected by Lorrain in the 17th century. It features a sweeping vista dominated by a prominent Walled Town, rendered with fine detail that contrasts with the softer, atmospheric treatment of the surrounding terrain. This style, rooted in French aesthetic tradition, profoundly influenced landscape art across Europe.

Despite the uncertainty in attribution, the piece embodies the enduring principles of classical composition: a balanced structure and careful manipulation of light achieved through the subtle use of chalk. Whether produced by an artist following the style of the great Lorrain or by Cozens, the drawing served to transmit important aesthetic values, often through the subsequent creation of widely circulated prints. This drawing currently resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it offers valuable insight into the lineage of landscape studies from this influential period.