Shepherd with Four Goats (Les quatre chèvres)

Shepherd with Four Goats (Les quatre chèvres) is a significant early graphic work by the renowned French artist, Claude Lorrain. Created between 1630 and 1633, this piece exemplifies Lorrain’s exploration of etching on laid paper, a medium he began to seriously engage with during this period. The work is characteristic of the detailed artistic output typical of the 1601 to 1650 timeframe, successfully balancing direct observation with emerging classical landscape structures.

Lorrain was primarily known for his sweeping, idealized views of the Roman Campagna, yet he frequently incorporated humble rustic figures and livestock into his compositions. Here, the focus rests on a shepherd tending his four goats, an intimate scene that grounds the classical environment in everyday pastoral life. The subtle use of line weight and shadow, achieved through the etching process, captures the texture of the rough garments of the figure and the natural movement of the animals. This work demonstrates the early development of Lorrain’s characteristic approach to light and atmosphere, elements that would define the rest of his career.

As one of the preeminent French artists working in Rome during the Baroque era, Lorrain’s prints were crucial in disseminating his distinct visual style across Europe. His prints influenced generations of landscape painters seeking to merge narrative figure work with natural settings. This specific impression is part of the distinguished collection of graphic prints held by the National Gallery of Art. Lorrain produced a relatively small number of highly sought-after etched works, and pieces such as this one demonstrate his technical skill in printmaking prior to his more famous mature paintings. The enduring legacy of this master has ensured that many of his essential studies and prints have been digitized; today, high-resolution reproductions of early graphic works like this are often accessible via public domain resources.