Claude Lorrain (1600-1682)

Embarkation of St Paula Romana at Ostia

1637-39
Oil on canvas, 211 x 145 cm
Museo del Prado, Madrid

Claude perfected the creation of ideal landscapes, placed in a golden classical antiquity of harmonious architecture, weather, landscape and society. This work so typical of his style was commissioned by Philip IV, King of Spain, for the decoration of one of the galleries in the Buen Retiro Palace. The act of embarkation is transformed by the theatrical setting into an act of Roman dignity, a heroic venture, a glorious example to posterity.