Two Women in Classical Dress

The drawing Two Women in Classical Dress by Claude Lorrain, created between 1643 and 1647, offers a sophisticated study of human figures typical of the artist’s mature period. This delicate work is classified as a drawing, executed using brush and black and brown inks and wash over black chalk on apricot prepared paper, which has subsequently been laid down onto a secondary support. This complex technique, utilizing both dry media (chalk) and wet media (ink and wash), allows for soft modulation of light and shadow, characteristic of high-quality draughtsmanship during the mid-17th century.

While Lorrain is universally celebrated for his idealized, light-filled landscapes, this piece focuses entirely on two figures, dressed in the flowing, draped attire typical of classical antiquity. The subtle handling of the wash demonstrates Lorrain’s profound skill in rendering volume and fold with minimal line, suggesting rather than strictly defining the forms. Produced during the historical period of 1601 to 1650, the subject matter reflects the prevailing classicism adopted by many French artists working in Rome at the time. The choice of apricot prepared paper provides a warm, intrinsic mid-tone, enhancing the luminous quality of the figures and distinguishing this piece from standard drawings executed on white grounds.

The work served either as a compositional study for figures to be integrated into one of Lorrain’s major paintings, or perhaps as a standalone academic exercise reflecting his dedication to classical studies. The drawing is a superb example of the artist’s preparatory methods and is now held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Because of the cultural significance of this object, high-quality prints derived from this drawing are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread accessibility to the refined draughtsmanship of this important French master.