Studie van twee bomen

Studie van twee bomen by Claude Lorrain is a profound example of the artist's preparatory drawings, executed in ink on paper between 1665 and 1670. Created during the later phase of the French master's career while he was residing in Rome, this work exemplifies the careful observation of nature that underpinned his famous finished landscape paintings. Unlike the highly structured, idealized compositions for which Lorrain is best known, this drawing captures a spontaneous, vigorous energy, focusing intensely on the natural subject matter.

Lorrain utilized ink sparingly but effectively, defining the structure and texture of the trees through sharp, varying lines and economical cross-hatching. The piece functions as a modello or detailed study, concentrating solely on the dynamic relationship between the two main trunks and their surrounding foliage. Such studies were vital for the artist’s classical landscapes, providing anatomical accuracy for the organic elements before their integration into carefully balanced compositions that defined the Baroque ideal of classical landscape painting.

This detailed drawing remains a critical reference point for understanding the breadth of Lorrain’s draftsmanship. The piece is classified as a drawing and forms an important part of the collection held by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. As many works from this prolific period have since entered the public domain, high-quality prints and references to foundational studies like Studie van twee bomen are now accessible globally, allowing scholars and enthusiasts to examine the technical foundations laid by the artist before executing his final, revered prints and oil paintings.