Fire 1642

Claude Déruet’s painting ‘Fire’ presents us with a dramatic scene rendered in oil paint. The blazing buildings behind the mounted figures are in flames, yet the riders seem unconcerned. Made in Lorraine, France, in the early to mid-seventeenth century, it's hard to look at this painting outside of the historical events that took place at the time. Lorraine was caught in the middle of the power struggles between France and the Holy Roman Empire. Claude Déruet was favored by the Dukes of Lorraine, who allied with the French monarchy. It would be safe to assume that this painting represents a military triumph or perhaps a controlled burning within a city under the Duke's control. Art historians consult archives, letters, and other historical documents to put together the full picture of how art and history interact. By considering such factors, we can see beyond the surface of the painting and appreciate how political power, artistic expression, and historical events intersect.