Landscape with the nymph Egeria and Numa 1669

Claude Lorrain painted this “Landscape with the nymph Egeria and Numa” during a time when mythological and pastoral themes allowed artists to explore idealised settings and narratives, often reflecting back on the artist's present day. Lorrain's painting illustrates a scene from Roman mythology, where the nymph Egeria advises Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome. The painting's narrative occurs within a serene, classical landscape. The choice of this subject reflects the prevailing interest in classical antiquity and the Renaissance humanist tradition. The depiction of Egeria, a female figure, advising a male ruler, can be interpreted through a feminist lens. It touches on the dynamics of power and knowledge, and the influence women have, even if they are often represented as allegorical or mythical figures rather than historical actors. The nymph's connection to nature and wisdom suggests an alternative source of authority, separate from the patriarchal structures of Roman society. It encourages us to reflect on the stories we tell about leadership and inspiration.