The Four Goats

"The Four Goats" by Claude Lorrain French, 1600-1682, is a masterful example of French printmaking from the early Baroque period. Executed between 1625 and 1638, this delicate work is an etching on ivory laid paper, showcasing the artist's developing expertise in the medium. Although renowned primarily for his monumental classical landscapes in oil, Lorrain was a dedicated printmaker who created forty-four etchings throughout his career, often drawing inspiration from the Italian countryside where he primarily lived and worked.

This intimate piece demonstrates an attention to detail often seen in Lorrain’s studies, focusing closely on the fauna rather than the expansive vista. The composition captures four goats resting or grazing within an undefined natural setting. The careful application of the etching technique allowed Lorrain to achieve exceptionally fine lines and nuanced contrasts, successfully differentiating the coarse texture of the animals' coats from the surrounding grassy environment.

The early work contributes significantly to the history of prints in the 17th century. Despite his immersion in the Roman art scene, the output of Lorrain cemented his reputation as the preeminent French landscape painter of his era. As this work has passed into the public domain, it remains an important reference for scholars studying the evolution of the artist’s draftsmanship and subject handling. This particular impression of The Four Goats is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering viewers a crucial insight into the breadth of the master’s prolific output.