Twee koeien uit de Campagna

The intimate drawing Twee koeien uit de Campagna by Claude Lorrain is a subtle yet powerful example of the artist’s preparatory work and his dedication to studying the natural world around Rome. Executed in chalk on paper, likely between 1635 and 1645, this study captures two cows resting or grazing within the famed Roman Campagna. Lorrain, a French master of idealized landscape painting active in Italy, frequently sketched animals and figures in situ to ensure their authenticity when integrated into his vast, classical canvases.

Lorrain used chalk to render the heavy, volumetric forms of the livestock, employing light, sure strokes to suggest the texture of their hide and the underlying musculature. These life studies provided a vital visual vocabulary for the painter, who often populated his mythological and historical landscapes with staffage (small figures and animals) to give scale and narrative depth. Unlike his finished paintings, which often feature controlled, golden light, this drawing focuses purely on observational representation. The composition emphasizes the quiet repose of the animals, highlighting the pastoral character of the region that so defined the artist's career.

This important drawing is classified as a study, reflecting Lorrain’s rigorous working method. The detailed observation shown in Twee koeien uit de Campagna speaks to the high standard Lorrain held for all components of his masterpieces. Currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, the quality and historical significance of the original paper study ensure its continued appreciation by scholars. Given the age and provenance of this work, high-quality prints and digital copies are often made available through public domain initiatives, allowing wider access to the preparatory genius of the Baroque period.