The Herd at the Watering Place 1635

This is Claude Lorrain's etching, "The Herd at the Watering Place". Lorrain, working in 17th-century Rome, a center of artistic and intellectual exchange, was deeply influenced by the classical tradition and the natural world. Notice how the soft light dapples the pastoral scene, a shepherd stands guard as his animals drink. Lorrain’s landscapes often feel less like faithful depictions and more like constructed visions, idyllic and serene. These scenes draw from both observation and imagination. Lorrain's work became highly sought after by wealthy patrons, offering a sense of escape from the political and social unrest of the time. Although his landscapes often appear timeless, it’s worth considering who gets to imagine themselves in these spaces of leisure and tranquility. Who is included and who is excluded? This artwork invites us to reflect on our relationship with nature. It asks who has access to its beauty, and what role art plays in shaping our perceptions.