Study of a Seated Woman and other Sketches

Study of a Seated Woman and other Sketches is an etching by Claude Lorrain, executed between 1620 and 1680. Though the artist is historically revered for his mastery of idealized landscape painting, this print offers valuable insight into his rigorous attention to draftsmanship and figurative drawing. Executed in the etching technique, the work utilizes spontaneous, fluid lines to capture multiple exploratory sketches on a single sheet, a common practice for artists collecting preparatory ideas or compositional notes.

The central subject, the seated woman, is rendered with enough detail to suggest mood and posture, contrasting with the more abbreviated surrounding sketches that appear to be quick studies of anatomy or drapery. As a print, this piece reflects Lorrain’s activity as a printmaker early in his career, often utilizing the medium to develop motifs he would later incorporate into larger paintings or drawings. Despite working primarily in Rome, Lorrain remained a key exponent of 17th-century French classicism, influencing subsequent generations of artists in France and across Europe who sought ideal harmony in their work.

This piece reveals the intimate, working side of the master, allowing viewers to appreciate his process away from the highly polished standards of his finished commissions. This significant work of French artistry is maintained in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Due to the historical age and enduring artistic relevance of such preparatory prints, many of Lorrain’s etchings and studies are now widely accessible through public domain collections, ensuring continued scholarly examination of his multifaceted career.