Studie voor een scène met struikrovers

Studie voor een scène met struikrovers is a compelling 17th-century print created by the French Baroque artist, Claude Lorrain, between 1631 and 1633. Although titled a "studie" (study), its classification as a print suggests that the final composition, executed on paper, was either intended for circulation or represents an impression taken from a highly detailed preparatory plate. Lorrain, who was active primarily in Rome, is renowned for his idealized classical landscapes and masterful use of atmospheric light, yet he often incorporated dramatic narrative elements and small, dynamic figures into his expansive scenes.

The subject matter, focusing on struikrovers (brigands or highwaymen), was common in the early Roman Baroque environment, used by artists to introduce an element of danger and tension into otherwise tranquil pastoral or classical settings. This preparatory work provides valuable insight into Lorrain’s meticulous methods, showing how he arranged and positioned figures before their final integration into a larger, more complex landscape. The handling of the figures on paper anticipates the dramatic staging common in his later etchings.

As an early example of the artist’s prolific output of prints, this piece serves as an important record of Lorrain’s development before he finalized his iconic, highly structured classical style. This significant work is held within the esteemed collection of the Rijksmuseum. Like many historical prints, high-resolution images of the artwork are often made available for educational purposes in the public domain.