Seaport with the Embarkation of the Queen of Sheba
by Claude Lorrain, 1648
Details
- Year
- 1648
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
- Size
- 149.1 cm × 196.7 cm
French artist Claude Lorrain painted this idealized harbor scene in 1648, showing the biblical Queen of Sheba preparing to begin on her voyage to visit King Solomon. Classical architecture frames the view, with ships at anchor and golden light flooding through the composition. Small figures bustle about the quay.
The painting was commissioned by Frédéric Maurice de La Tour d'Auvergne, Duke of Bouillon, together with a companion piece showing the Marriage of Isaac and Rebecca. Both works survived the French Revolution despite the Duke's successor being imprisoned and his property confiscated.
Claude specialized in these atmospheric harbor scenes, combining careful observation of light with imaginary architecture. The warm glow of the setting sun, the silhouetted buildings, and the play of reflections on water became his signature. The painting now hangs at the National Gallery in London.
